The Girls' Bathroom

This July, NHS North East London Cancer Alliance is partnering with the UK's leading creative and cultural cancer organisation, Touchy-Feely, to deliver "The Girls' Bathroom"- an Immersive community-led breast cancer awareness experience designed to open up vital conversations around body awareness, early detection and healthy advocacy within Black and ethnically diverse communities. 

Taking place in Shoreditch, East London during Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, "The Girls' Bathroom" has been created to challenge the stigma, fear and silence that often surrounds cancer observations in communities of colour. 

Far from a traditional health campaign, the experience combines culture, live music, storytelling, community and life-saving information in a way that feels accessible, welcoming and culturally relevant. Through immersive installations, informal conversations and direct access to healthcare professionals, attendees ill be encouraged to become more familiar with their bodies, understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and feel empowered to advocate for themselves and the people they love. 

Touchy-Feely was founded by breast cancer survivor and creative strategist Nellie Gbadebo following her own diagnosis at 26 years old whilst raising three children under the age of three. Since launching, the organisation has become a vital voice in conversation surrounding cancer awareness, health inequalities and representation for ethnically diverse communities affected by cancer. 

Research shows us that women ethnic minority communities face later cancer diagnosis, poorer health outcomes and barriers to accessing culturally competent information and support. The Girls' bathroom aims to help close that gap by bridging these conversations directly into the community in a way that feels human, relatable and free from clinical intimidation. 

The Girls' Bathroom is a free to attend event and open to all. 

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On the day you can expect: 

  • Interactive and educational installations focused on breast awareness and early detection 
  • Informal conversations with NHS professionals
  • Tik-Tok worthy venue
  • Wellness- centre expereinces designed to reduce fear and encourage openess
  • Live music, culture and creative engagement designed to make health conversations feel accessible rather than overwhelming

By meeting communities where they are culturally, emotionally and socially, Touchy -Feely and NHS North East London Cancer Alliance hope to encourage earlier conversations, earlier checks and ultimately earlier diagnoses. 

This event reflects a growing movement to make cancer awareness more inclusive, community-driven and culturally responsive for underrepresented ethnic groups across North East London.