Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations play a vital role in supporting people affected by cancer.
Some organisations provide dedicated cancer services and support people throughout their cancer journey. Others offer broader health, wellbeing, social care or community services, but regularly support people affected by cancer as part of their work.
Whether your organisation specialises in cancer care or supports a wider population, ACCEND can help develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to provide high-quality support for people affected by cancer.
Information and Advice Helping people understand their diagnosis, treatment, services available to them, and where to go for further support.
Wellbeing Support Providing emotional wellbeing services, counselling, complementary therapies, wellbeing programmes and opportunities to improve quality of life.
Peer Support Creating opportunities for people affected by cancer to connect with others who have shared experiences.
Financial Advice Supporting people to access benefits, grants, employment advice and financial assistance during and after treatment.
Physical Activity Delivering exercise, rehabilitation and wellbeing programmes that support recovery and improve physical and mental health outcomes.
Community Outreach Working within local communities to reduce inequalities, improve access to support and reach groups who may be less likely to engage with traditional healthcare services.
ACCEND can support both specialist cancer charities and organisations whose primary focus may be outside cancer care. The framework can help VCSE staff and volunteers:
Understand the Cancer Journey Develop awareness of the cancer pathway, from prevention and screening through to treatment, recovery and living with and beyond cancer.
Build Confidence Feel more confident when supporting people affected by cancer and having conversations about their needs.
Develop Workforce Capability Identify learning opportunities and create consistent approaches to workforce development.
Promote Person-Centred Support Understand the importance of personalised care and supporting what matters most to the individual.
Strengthen Partnerships Improve integration between VCSE organisations, NHS services and wider health and care partners.
Address Health Inequalities Develop knowledge and skills that help reduce barriers to accessing cancer support and services.
For many VCSE colleagues, the Supportive/Assistive Level will provide a useful starting point.
This level focuses on developing a general understanding of cancer, recognising when additional support is required, and helping people access the services they need.
Some colleagues working in specialist cancer charities or leadership positions may find aspects of the Registered or Enhanced levels relevant to their role and responsibilities.
Remember, ACCEND is designed to be flexible. The level most relevant to you will depend on the nature of your role rather than your job title alone.
If you're still not sure, you can always use the ACE Level Checker.
ACCEND can help you; identify your strengths, recognise learning needs, build your confidence in supporting people affected by cancer and understand how your role contributes to the wider cancer pathway
Whether you are a volunteer, support worker, service manager, wellbeing practitioner or community engagement lead, ACCEND can help you continue to develop your skills and knowledge.
Before exploring the wider ACCEND framework, we recommend completing Foundations of Cancer Care. This e-learning provides an introduction to:
The programme has been designed to help build confidence and develop a consistent understanding of cancer care, regardless of your background.
You can start Foundations of Cancer Care here, or your can explore the wider ACCEND framework here.
"Having been on the other side of cancer with my mum, it gave me a different perspective of a patient’s journey and the spectrum of people who are involved to provide support before, during and after. The course put the whole picture together for me, allowing me to give the best holistic care and signposting to others, as we gratefully received as a family during our own journey."
- Alison, Clincal Support Worker
South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance works closely with charities, hospices, community organisations, support groups and wider VCSE partners to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer. Explore the organisations below to find local support, partnership opportunities and resources available across our region.
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