People and Communities

Why working with people and communities matters to us

Working with people and communities is not an optional extra – it’s how we build better cancer services. It ensures that care is shaped by those who use it, that inequalities are addressed, and that every voice matters. For a Cancer Alliance, this is not just valuable – it’s vital.

We cannot improve cancer outcomes without understanding the people we serve. Working with people and communities brings insight, accountability, and innovation to every part of the cancer pathway.

People with lived experience of cancer – whether as patients, carers, or family members – offer unique perspectives into what works and what doesn’t.  Their voices help us design more compassionate responsive services and help identify gaps in care and support.

Cancer does not affect everyone equally. By working closely with communities – including those who often miss out on care – we can better understand what stops people from getting diagnosed and treated early. Together, we can find practical solutions that fit their needs and make services easier to access.

Local partnerships: We collaborate with neighbourhood health services, voluntary sector organisations, and community leaders to reach people where they are.  Our partnerships spark innovation. Whether it’s co-producing digital tools, developing inclusive awareness campaigns, or piloting new screening pathways, working with people leads to better ideas and stronger outcomes.

Building trust & transparency: Our Public Involvement and Accountability Forum ensures that community voices influence decision-making and governance.  These representatives act as critical friends, holding the Alliance to account and championing community perspectives.

Inclusive engagement: We prioritise engagement with underserved groups, including ethnically minoritised communities, people with a learning disability and autism, people with low health literacy, and those living in coastal and rural areas.

Proportional universalism: We allocate resources based on need, not just population size – ensuring that areas with higher deprivation receive targeted support.