The Cancer Awareness Champions project assists small community organisations and local businesses in raising awareness about cancer, promoting screening participation, and encouraging early diagnosis.

Spring North has collaborated closely with the Cancer Alliance and delivery partners across Lancashire and South Cumbria to recruit and enhance the skills of local Cancer Awareness Champions. These champions increase awareness and share accessible, low-level cancer messages within their communities, aiming to boost screening attendance and promote early diagnosis.

This is a new initiative, developed collaboratively with our partners to ensure effective delivery. It includes designing training, facilitating coordination, and providing ongoing support for both voluntary and workplace-based champions across the county. Particular emphasis has been placed on reaching underserved and marginalised communities, aiming to reduce health inequalities and contribute to NHS Core20PLUS5 priorities by addressing barriers to accessing cancer information and services.

Using trusted community partners, local organisations facilitate discussions about cancer, challenge stigma, and help individuals understand and navigate available support and screening options.

The Cancer Awareness Champions project demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration across the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sectors alongside clinical settings. By adopting a community-led approach to health messaging, we promote natural engagement within trusted communities and offer comprehensive support for all involved.