The Blackburn with Darwen Cancer Champions project is a three-year initiative designed to transform how South Asian communities in the borough engage with cancer awareness, diagnosis, and care.
Delivered in close partnership with IMO and One Voice, two long-standing and respected community partners, this project draws on local insight, lived experience, and cultural understanding to address some of the most deeply rooted barriers to cancer awareness and early diagnosis. Together, we are working at the heart of communities to grow a network of trained volunteer Cancer Champions who reflect the diversity, languages, and cultural values of the people they support. These Champions are not just volunteers; they are trusted messengers, community leaders, and practical and emotional support sources.
Why this project matters
Throughout the UK, cancer screening uptake and early diagnosis rates remain lower in minority ethnic communities. Locally, data indicates that South Asian communities in Blackburn with Darwen are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis and face higher mortality rates. Our own community surveys have confirmed what national studies have shown: that stigma, fatalism, language barriers, and difficulties in accessing culturally appropriate services contribute to significant health inequalities. Through our Cancer Champions, we tackle these challenges head-on with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to long-term change.
What we’re doing
This project brings together dedicated staff and community partners to recruit, train, and support a diverse team of Cancer Champions, each embedded within their local community. With guidance from our Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinators, Champions are helping to:
Our work is guided by intelligence from the ground up. We utilise feedback from Champions and residents to adapt our delivery, share insights with health systems, and advocate for service improvements that better address local needs.
I became a Cancer Champion because I know how hard it can be to talk about cancer in our communities. Just giving people space to ask questions and share their worries makes a real difference.
Family Autism Support (FAS) is a local service led by Spring North, supporting families across East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen. Funded by the NHS, it provides early, practical and emotional support for autistic children and young people, their parents, carers and siblings.
We are proud to support Empowerment, a charity with multiple health projects across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, supported by an employed team of individuals with lived experience of multiple disadvantage
Through the CMHT Grant Fund, we are proud to support Church on the Street, a Christian organisation and registered Charity designed to support the most vulnerable members of the community.
