Why Is The Plymouth Cancer Champions Project Happening?
“No one should struggle to access cancer support because of the colour of their skin, their faith, sexual orientation, or economic status. But we know the reality is that there are many barriers to equitable cancer care in the UK.”
Macmillan
Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
However, statistics show that not everyone is currently receiving an equitable cancer experience.
"We know that ethnic minority communities, specifically Asian and Black ethnic groups, experience poorer outcomes for some cancers and are less likely to report a positive care experience compared to their White counterparts."
Race Equality Foundation
“Adults aged 50-74 account for more than half (54%) of all new cancer cases, and elderly people aged 75+ account for more than a third (36%), with slightly fewer cases in females than males in both age groups,”
Cancer Research UK
Why Plymouth?
- Cancer incidence in Plymouth is above the regional and national averages, and the trend is upward.
- Plymouth sits within the top 20% most deprived areas in England.
- Mortality from all cancers is significantly higher in Plymouth than the England average.
When Macmillan asked the people of Plymouth what they thought were the barriers to getting help this is what they said…
As a result, Macmillan decided to fund this project for 3 years. They asked the Zebra Collective to host the project as they have good community links in Devonport and Stonehouse and are well known for their community work and reflective practice, amongst other things. The Wolseley Trust were asked to provide a Social Prescribing element to the project, linking in with Waterside Primary Care Network to help support individuals who need non medical support. Completing the team, Age UK Plymouth were asked to participate as they already provide a support network to many people over the age of 50.
Aims Of The Project
Increase understanding about cancer
Provide information and support
Help people to get an early diagnosis
Encourage development of ‘Community Led’ support initiative
Target groups where currently cancer outcomes are not as good as they could be
Create equitable experiences
What Will The Project Do?
Recruit Cancer Champions
We will recruit Cancer Champions who will be trusted, well connected members of the community. Cancer Champions may or may not have lived experience of cancer. They will help to reduce fears and barriers people may face, busting myths and sharing key messages. Cancer Champions will be trained to be - knowledgeable about signs and symptoms of cancer and will encourage/support people to seek early diagnosis/link people with available support.
Cancer Champions may take different roles – for example accompanying people to GP appointments, talking to friends and neighbours about screening and early signs of cancer, helping to run Cake and Cuppa sessions, supporting people to access online services.
Take the lead from the community
We will focus on the strengths of individuals, groups and communities and listen to what they can do (or are already doing). This is called taking an Asset Based Community Development Approach – (In this instance an asset can be a person, building or community).
This is very important, as it means that we are led by people rather than providing a service.
As part of this we will link with existing groups to increase awareness and knowledge of cancer.
Hold ‘Cake and Cuppa’ sessions
We will provide a space for people, who have been affected by cancer, to meet and chat over cake and a cuppa. Whilst we will ensure there is lots of cake to eat, cake also stands for…
Cancer Awareness Kindness and Empathy.
Plymouth has set up ‘Wellbeing hubs’ within the city to provide local access to a range of information, advice and support to encourage residents to ‘get involved’ and support each other. Our aim is to make links with these existing ‘Wellbeing Hubs’ to ensure we can provide information about what’s available and increase cancer specific knowledge in the Wellbeing hubs.
Provide Digital Support
We will provide digital support to people who are affected by cancer and recruit digital Cancer Champions to make the most of the skills already in the community. We can offer support with things like setting up a GP appointment online, downloading apps that help you sleep, or playing games during treatment, directing people to safe websites that may answer cancer related questions or help to connect people to others online for mutual support.
Make links with Peninsula Dental School
As people struggle to get a dentist appointment, signs of mouth cancer are not always being spotted. We will work with Peninsula Dental School to train staff and Cancer Champions to help make people more aware of what to look out for, and common symptoms of cancer.
We will work with the Wolseley Trust, ‘Waterside’ Primary Care Network’ and Age UK Plymouth to provide support or Social Prescribing to anyone who has been discharge from the hospital / doctors and would like non-medical support.
Where will the project run?
The aim of the project is to work in the communities that have the worst outcomes around cancer. This includes, but is not exclusive to, people living in lower income communities, minoritised ethnic communities and older adults.
The project began in April 2024, in Devonport and Stonehouse, but also started working across the city with older adults and minoritised ethnic communities.
Across the 3 years of the project, the plan is to work in Barne Barton, Weston Mill, East End, Ernesettle, Morice Town, North Prospect and Whitleigh also.
For more information, email Niqui at Niqui@zebra.coop