Earlier this year, we announced the launch of a new cancer awareness initiative to educate our community about the signs and symptoms of a variety of cancers and encourage individuals to seek help if they are concerned about their health.
The project has been made possible through the support of our funding partners, Spring North and the Lancashire & South Cumbria Integrated Care Board. Their commitment to supporting health and wellbeing initiatives has allowed us to reach more people in the local area and make a significant impact on cancer awareness.
Thanks to this funding, we have been able to host and attend several events to raise awareness of noticing the signs and symptoms of cancer early. These included:
- Natwest Banking Hall
- Layton Methodist Church – The Big Food Truck
- Claremont Community Centre – The Big Food Truck
- At the Grange – The Big Food Truck
- North Stand Community Hub – The Big Food Truck
- BFCCT Family Club
- BFCCT Community Club
- Galloway’s Celebration event in Preston
- Blackpool Victoria Hospital
- Revoe Learning Academy Chill and Chat
- Blackpool Police Station HQ
- Blackpool FC Home games
- BFCCT Sports Camps
We also hosted our first cancer awareness creative workshop. We teamed up with Durose Studios for a clay workshop to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer and the importance of attending screenings. This session allowed us to reach a wider audience of women and those affected by breast cancer, the session saw participants talk about life experiences while also creating ‘boobie pots.’ Due to the success of this event, we are looking to hold similar ones in the future.
We have also provided sun cream samples to our participants throughout May in line with Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which allowed us to educate our participants about the signs, symptoms and risks of Melanoma.
Lauren Cholmondeley, Community Living Support Manager, said,
“Helping to raise awareness on the early signs and symptoms of Cancer is so important. Over the last six months, we have been able to reach members of our community through awareness days, match day events and creative workshops, working with other organisations to help raise awareness. As a Community Trust, we have used our platform to inform about signs and symptoms, as well as to reassure and encourage attendance at screenings. Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives, so tell your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you.”
We also have our Cancer Prehab provision. Funded by the Lancashire & South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, this FREE programme helps individuals prepare for cancer treatment by improving physical strength, mental wellbeing, and overall health.
These sessions take place over two hours every Wednesday. They are designed to support those living with cancer who are either going through or about the start treatment.
These sessions offer both mental and physical support and start with an hour of physical activity delivered by BFCCT staff. Exercises are designed to replicate everyday life movements to improve strength and can be adapted for those having treatment to best prepare their body for the journey ahead. This is followed by an hour of socialisation where participants can speak to supportive cancer services and other participants.
Dave Maclean, Community Engagement Manager at Blackpool FC Community Trust, said,
“At Blackpool FC Community Trust, we are incredibly proud to be involved in such a meaningful programme that will truly make a difference in the lives of people facing a challenging time. The cancer prehab initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to support the health and well-being of our local community. We are immensely grateful to the funders, the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, as well as to the local Macmillan hospital staff for their support in making this vital programme possible.”
For more information about this provision, please email: info@bfcct.co.uk
