Talking About Cancer Together

20/10/2025

🌟 Just 2 days to go! 🌟

We’re so excited to be hosting our Volunteer Fair with The Purfleet Trust this Wednesday at The Town Hall, King’s Lynn!

Join us and meet 30 incredible charities, community groups and organisations, all showcasing a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available in your area.

Thinking about volunteering but not sure where to start? Come along, grab a tea or coffee, and take a moment to relax in our wellbeing area — our friendly team will be there for a chat and to answer any questions.

It’s a great opportunity to connect, get inspired, and discover how you can make a difference in your community. 💙

20/10/2025

10/09/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

A 2018 report from Public Health England highlighted that people with cancer are at a 20% higher risk of su***de than the general population, with the highest risk seen within the first six months of diagnosis.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, which is why it’s so important for every patient and their carers to get the support they need. This study shows how critical the first 6 months are to quality of life and reducing the risk of su***de.”
— Dr Jem Rashbass, Cancer Lead at Public Health England, 2018

Access to mental health support is vital for people affected by cancer, and raising awareness of what services are available locally is an important part of this.

An online Norfolk and Waveney Cancer Network session is being organised to focus on:

“What Mental Health Support is Available for People Affected by Cancer”
Thursday 25th September
10:30am – 12:30pm (online)

The free event will bring together VCSE staff, volunteers, and community members to:
• Learn about the mental health and cancer support available locally
• Explore the needs and opportunities for VCSE organisation
• Showcase the brilliant work already happening and build new collaborations

Please feel free to join with the details below.

Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 345 130 469 419 6
Passcode: hm24Dr2p

08/09/2025

Calling all charities and community groups in West Norfolk!

We’re excited to announce a Volunteer Fair at King’s Lynn Town Hall on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, from 10am – 4pm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your organisation, connect with potential volunteers, and be part of a thriving VCSE community.
-Free stalls available for VCSE organisations recruiting volunteers
-Free refreshments provided throughout the day

Workshops and talks including:
-CAN’s Talking About Project – supporting cancer signposting
-Voluntary Norfolk’s Volunteer Passport
-Plus more to be announced

If you’d like to host a stall, please complete our SurveyMonkey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J9HWD85 or contact Kate Doe at Kate.Doe@CommunityActionNorfolk.org.uk.

We look forward to seeing you there.
(Please share with any relevant contacts)

28/07/2025

Dereham Cancer Care are looking for a part-time Community Engagement Officer to help grow their volunteer programme, build local partnerships, and support those affected by cancer.

18 hours/week | £12,705/year
Based in Dereham
Apply by 29 July: zoe@derehamcancercare.co.uk

Make a real difference in your community. Interviews w/c 4 August.

28/07/2025

🌟 Drop-In Cancer Support with Our Nurse, Alice 🌟
Every Thursday | 10:00am – 12:00pm (from Thursday 28th August 2025)
📍 Star Throwers Centre, 30 Melton Road, Wymondham

Are you or a loved one affected by cancer? 💙
Have questions but not sure who to ask?

Come and chat with Alice, our friendly Cancer Support Nurse. No appointment needed — just drop in for a cuppa, a chat, and some support. No question is too small. 💬

📞 Call us on 01953 423304 for more info or just pop in.

www.starthrowers.org.uk

18/07/2025

You are invited to attend a Norfolk Cancer Network Online Session on Tuesday 22nd July 2025 between 10:30 and 12:30 on the platform Microsoft Teams (see link below). If you are unable to attend all of the session that is okay, just join us when you can.



The session will focus on ‘What Hub/Centre Cancer support is available in Norfolk & Waveney?’ Joining us will be multiple local children’s support who will be talking about the services and support they offer, with the opportunity to ask them questions. Kate, Community Action Norfolk’s Project Officer, will be sharing what other support is available to those affected by cancer in Norfolk and there will also be an opportunity to discuss any challenges you may be facing when supporting someone affected by cancer. While this session is aimed at VCSE staff and volunteers working in Norfolk we welcome any colleagues interested in learning about the support available.


For further information do get in touch kate.doe@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk. This session is part of Community Action Norfolk’s ‘Talking About Cancer Together’ Project.

Please also feel free to forward this invitation to anyone who may benefit.

Microsoft Teams.

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 319 596 613 109 1

Passcode: vi3oA3px

15/07/2025

Artist Claire Gebbett has been exploring the experience of people who are living with chronic illness and/or disability. Her video "Unsteady" depicts the unsettling effects of diagnosis and treatment. She says "my cancer diagnosis affected my work, my family life, friendships and even identity." Filmed at Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Sweetbriar Marsh, the film suggests a link between fragile environments needing protection and care and the sick body, unstable and similarly needing an interconnected community for support. This excerpt is a taster of her work, culminating in two events over the weekend. On Friday 18th July she is holding a fully accessible, immersive video exhibition called "One for Sorrow, Two for Joy" at The Ice House, Great Yarmouth from 5pm til 10pm - free entry and all welcome. On Saturday 19th July she is installing an interactive art event "11 Magpies" at Sweetbriar Marsh (East) from 10am til 4pm, free of charge. Claire warmly welcomes all along to her fully accessible events. Saturday will host a mobility scooter ramble on the accessible path (West Gate) on the marsh at 2pm.

Unsteady:

https://youtu.be/WblFKWXLpNg

04/07/2025

The Government has announced that Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch will be closed as part of a policy shake-up to be revealed in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan later this week.

Healthwatch Norfolk's chief executive, Alex Stewart, says the team will "remain dedicated to continue representing Norfolk’s communities for the remainder of our time in operation".

Read more about our response and future plans at https://healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/news/government-announces-closure-of-national-and-local-healthwatch/

16/04/2025

Sorry boss, my dog really did eat my work… and by ‘work’ I mean my own copy of the cancer support card game we launched a few months ago.

150 copies printed, blood, sweat, and tears (and now slobber) went into this project, and of all the copies, she chose to eat my master one!

Apparently, Luna’s a fan of immersive experiences—she just prefers to chew through the rules. If she enjoyed it, I’m sure you will too!

Message me to book a cancer support workshop, available free of charge to all local VCSE organisations - hurry before Luna eats all the packs of cards!

Lessons learned:
• Always keep a few copies out of paw’s reach
• Dogs have zero respect for playing fair
• Apparently, it’s fun for all the family… including the furry ones

24/02/2025

Breast Cancer Support Group
Wednesday 26th February 2025
2pm – 4pm
at the Star Throwers Centre, 30 Melton Road, Wymondham
This is a friendly, safe and supportive group for anyone who has received a primary breast cancer diagnosis.
Contact us to register: 01953 423304 info@starthrowers.org.uk