Published on: 17 October 2024
Working in partnership with the borough council and the SYB Cancer Alliance, Barnsley’s Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) gave grants to a variety of groups to help them raise awareness and urge people to report any indications of changes in their bodies that might be linked to cancer.
As part of Barnsley’s Take Action Live Longer (TALL) campaign and the council’s #BeThatFriend campaigns, the groups who successfully secured funding of up to £10,000 each, also used their community projects to encourage people to show up for routine checks such as for breast and prostate cancer.
Following professional training in how to deliver effective messages around cancer, the groups completed their projects over the summer, culminating in an event in the town centre where they shared their experiences.
Many of the groups reported that a number of people who’d attended their sessions went on to have routine tests after being reassured of the processes involved, and then returned to thank the organisers for their encouragement.
Lesser-heard communities also responded well to many of the sessions and events which helped to dispel some of the myths and taboos around cancer and breakdown some cultural barriers to testing.
Lara Bundock, the CEO of Barnsley CVS, said: “TALL was launched to raise awareness across Barnsley of the signs and symptoms of cancer as well as promoting uptake of specific cancer screening programmes, and this funding has helped these groups deliver this great work in our communities. “It has created a ripple effect where people will continue to be encouraged and to spread the word about the importance of testing and spotting early signs. “Thank you to everyone for wanting to make a difference to people’s lives and for showing what amazing work can be done. The creativity involved has blown us all away!”
Lara Bundock, the CEO of Barnsley CVS, said: “TALL was launched to raise awareness across Barnsley of the signs and symptoms of cancer as well as promoting uptake of specific cancer screening programmes, and this funding has helped these groups deliver this great work in our communities.
“It has created a ripple effect where people will continue to be encouraged and to spread the word about the importance of testing and spotting early signs.
“Thank you to everyone for wanting to make a difference to people’s lives and for showing what amazing work can be done. The creativity involved has blown us all away!”
The projects:
Follow us on social media: @CanAlliance_SYB
The Targeted Lung Health Programme is undergoing a name change to become Lung Cancer Screening in a bid to reduce any potential confusion on what is involved and increase participation.
There are no upcoming events.