Welcome to our first Support, Policy and Insight update of 2024!

2023 was a really important year for us as we marked our 80th anniversary and continued to support people affected by cancer across Wales; providing services in partnerships with the NHS, working with the Welsh Government to influence policy, and singing our hearts out with thousands of you every single week.

Read on to find out all about our new and ongoing work!

Stomach and oesophageal cancer

In her story, Christine tells us all about her experiences of oesophageal cancer. Christine was luckier than most – and is committed to sharing her story to help others.

Our recent report, ‘A Burning Issue’ explores the poor outcomes for people affected by stomach and oesophageal cancers in Wales. A recommendation from the report was improving symptom awareness so cancer can get picked up earlier, when better treatment options are available. 

During February, which is also Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month, we're running a Wales-wide symptom awareness campaign.

Our campaign encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to talk to their GP and targets those most at risk of developing these cancers through engagement with pharmacies. 

Benefits Advice

We know winter can be really tough, with cold weather increasing your heating and other energy needs, especially if you’re unwell. If you have a cancer diagnosis and need help accessing benefits, give our Benefits Advice Team a ring today on 0808 808 1010.

Mobile Support Units

All three of our Mobile Support Units are back in Wales. One of these is now based at Bronglais hospital while they refurbish their oncology unit. The other two are at full capacity, delivering screening services, cancer treatments and education. 

Sing with Us

You may have caught one of our Sing with Us choirs at our Lovelight concerts before Christmas, but have you ever thought about joining? Our choirs are for anyone affected by cancer in Wales.

Each choir is a caring community, offering fun, support and fulfilment, whatever your singing ability or experience.   

If you’d like to join us, pop over to our website to find your nearest Sing with Us choir.  

Counselling

Since launching last spring, we’ve helped nearly 700 people through extremely challenging situations, through providing 2,910 hours of individual counselling.

Just launched: Therapeutic Virtual Support Group - Living with Cancer 

Our new virtual group service offers a tailored 4-week program for people with a cancer diagnosis and provides a space where participants can:

• Reflect on the impact of cancer on their lives and by sharing this experience with others, learn more about coping with their own diagnosis.
• Offer support, encouragement and comfort to the other group members, and receive the same in return.
• Make meaningful, supportive connections with others who have had a similar experience, improve mood and decrease anxiety and feelings of isolation.
• Find ways to integrate their experiences into their life going forward.

You can find out more about these and register your interest in a future session by clicking here.

Policy

Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Wales. But like with all cancers, early diagnosis is key to reducing this. We’re calling on the Welsh Government to commit to implementing targeted lung screening.

You can learn more about our calls for targeted lung cancer screening in a blog from our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Greg Pycroft.

Support Line

Our Support Line now delivers a cancer Callback service in five Health Boards in Wales, with further plans for expansion this coming year. A service-user said:

Our Support Line nurses are here to answer any questions you may have about yourself or your loved one. Call 0808 808 1010 or use our ‘Ask The Nurse’ service.

All-Wales Cancer Community

Our All-Wales Cancer Community continues to go from strength to strength, helping to make sure the voices of people affected by cancer in Wales are being heard by those who make decisions about care, research and policy.

If you’ve been affected by cancer, YOU are an expert. Join us today to have your say.

Community Engagement

Our Community Engagement team have been really busy setting up partnerships and delivering talks to community groups all around Wales, raising awareness of how we can support people. If you’re keen to get involved in helping to spread the word about what we can do for people in their community, please get in touch with Paul Rothwell.

Across the charity…

We were so proud to receive Gold accreditation in October from the Diverse Cymru Cultural Competency Scheme.

This accreditation is just the start of this journey, and if you have ideas or feedback you’d like to share with us about how we can be a more inclusive organisation, please drop us an email to insight@tenovuscancercare.org.uk.

We post regular news and updates on our website, so if you want to keep up to date with what we are up to across the whole organisation, please take a look. 

If you want to access any of our services, please call us on 0808 808 1010 or drop us an email on support@tenovuscancercare.org.uk so we can put you in touch with the right team.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters. 

Without your generosity, hard work, time, and commitment we couldn’t be there to support the thousands of people affected by cancer and their loved ones, who need us every year. 

All the best, 

The Policy, Insight & Services Teams
Tenovus Cancer Care