Cancer and Faith Communities Programme

Details

18th April 2012

The National Cancer Action Team and RAFFA, are pleased to announce their ‘Cancer & Faith Communities programme’, which is part of the national ‘Cancer Does Not Discriminate’ Campaign. The cancer & faith communities programme, will work with churches and faith communities across England to both raise awareness and improve understanding of cancer, and challenge some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding cancer. The programme will include awareness workshops, drop-in sessions, and the opportunity to train to become a local patient champion.

Workshops will take place at key Passing the Baton events held by RAFFA across England over a 5 month period. Drop-in sessions will be held at locations around England and will provide information on food the early signs of cancer and nutrition and healthier lifestyles. Local Patient Champions will work within their local churches and faith communities to raise awareness of the early signs of cancer, and sign post people with cancer to support and advice.

The programme has been developed to work specifically with churches and faith communities, to help challenge some of the myths and barriers often held about cancer, and other long term conditions. The programme aims to:

• Help increase the levels of awareness of cancer and help earlier detection of cancer

• Increase knowledge and awareness of the national cancer screening programme 

• Provide information and support to people living with cancer and

• Provide information to men about prostate cancer, and healthier lifestyles

Workshops: Are free one off 90 minute events which provide participants with a greater understanding of cancer incidence levels amongst different communities, and provide an insight into the different cancer screening programmes. Workshops will also focus on breast cancer, bowel cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and myeloma signs and symptoms. Specialists will be available to answer any questions on these cancers. If you would like to register to attend a workshop please log on to: 

http://www.raffa.org.uk/health-and-well-being  or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Drop-in sessions: Are free, one off sessions run in church and faith venues, and can be requested by Churches and Faith groups. If you would like someone to deliver a drop-in session in to your organisation please contact Dennise Friday  on: 0208 2826276 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange a date and time.

Local patient champions: Individuals can become a local champion after attending a short training course. Champions will receive a handbook and resources once training has been completed. Champions will be able to:

• Tell people about the why early detection is important

• Talk about the 3 national screening programmes

• Sign post people to breast, bowel, prostate, cervical cancer and myeloma charities

• Sign post people with cancer to support services

• Arrange a drop-in session in their local area

• Provide people with information leaflets about a range of cancers

• Provide feedback about the experiences of people affected by cancer

• If you are interested in becoming a local patient champion please e-mail:               This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 02082826330 or contact Rudi Page, tel: 07958 744660 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For further information about this initiative please log on to:

www.BMEcancervoice.co.uk or http://www.raffa.org.uk/health-and-well-being or e-mail Paula Lloyd Knight at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Rudi Page at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.