Every year, 4 February marks World Cancer Day – a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The day aims to raise worldwide awareness of cancer, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action.
Since 2022, the theme has been to “Close the Care Gap”, which is all about celebrating progress in its many forms that enable more people to seek and receive the care they need and deserve. More specifically, this year focuses on “uniting our voices and taking action”, recognising the importance of strong alliances and innovative collaborative working to make progress against cancer.
At ICON, involving people whose lives have been affected by cancer is an integral part of our research and activities. In celebration of “uniting voices and taking action”, we are highlighting the amazing organisations we have the privilege to be working with, to raise the voices of people affected by cancer.
Can-Survive UK is a charity providing support and information for Manchester’s culturally diverse communities with the aim to enable, empower and educate people affected by cancer, their families and carers. We’re privileged to be engaging with Can-Survive UK and their members who told us about the massive impact the charity has had on their lives.
We are very proud of our longstanding involvement with the NCRI Consumer Forum, a community of patients, carers and others affected by cancer, contributing to the work of the NCRI and cancer research in the UK. They help ensure patients and carers remain at the heart of cancer research and provide support, training and a collaborative community of experts by experience.
Third Age Project is a multicultural community support centre for those aged over 60, founded over 25 years ago and now transforming the lives of hundreds of local people. Their members access a huge range of activities and support. An inspirational organisation with whom we are proud to be involved.
The mission of the Wai Yin Society is to reach out and empower people to achieve better lives and create opportunities to overcome barriers. They have been supporting Chinese and minority ethnic communities in Manchester since 1988, serving socially excluded and disadvantaged people to enhance their well-being and development. It was a privilege to meet some of their members in 2022 and we look forward to more opportunities.
WSA Community Consultants are specialised in community development, meaningful participation and social inclusion, they are passionate about ensuring communities are put first and involved as true partners in their development. We were delighted to work with them to develop and run some sessions last year and look forward to future collaborations.
Find out more about current patient and public engagement opportunities within ICON.