Expressions of Interest (EoI) Call for Community Engagement

Improving Quality of Life for People Living with and Beyond Cancer Through Lived Experience Engagement

 

The North East London Cancer Alliance (NELCA) is committed to improving and transforming cancer pathways from prevention and diagnosis through treatment and end of life care, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan ambitions for cancer.

A lady is taking part in an exercise class with her arms stretched out in the air in front of a group of people.

We work in partnership with the North East London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB), hospital trusts, local authority public health teams, charities, and community organisations across seven boroughs: Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, and the City of London.

A key priority within the Personalised Cancer Care Programme is improving the quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer across North East London.

Evidence shows that individuals from underrepresented communities are less likely to share their experiences or engage with cancer services. These communities include people who:

  • Are from marginalised communities

  • Do not speak English as a first language

  • Are part of the LGBTQ+ community

  • Live with serious mental illness

  • Experience deprivation

  • Have a learning disability

Barriers to engagement may be cultural, practical, or structural, and are often rooted in fear, stigma, or misconceptions.

The Opportunity

NELCA is inviting Expressions of Interest from community and voluntary sector organisations working with underrepresented communities in North East London.

We aim to fund organisations to co-design and deliver engagement interventions that:

  • Improve the experience of care and quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer

  • Helping people “live well with cancer” beyond their treatment

  • Increase community engagement with cancer services

  • Encourage participation in feedback mechanisms such as the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey

We believe community organisations are best placed to design and deliver culturally appropriate and impactful engagement initiatives.

Funding Available

Up to £10,000 per organisation will be awarded as a single payment to support both idea generation and implementation.

1. Idea Generation (Up to £1,000)

Funding may be used to facilitate engagement activities such as focus groups or workshops within your community. Eligible costs may include:

People support icon

  • Staff time

  • Venue hire

  • Refreshments

  • Volunteer expenses

  • Travel costs

 
2. Idea Implementation (Remaining Funding)

The remaining grant should be used to implement the agreed idea, including development of communication materials, delivery of engagement activities, and associated staffing and operational costs. All activities must remain within the maximum budget of £10,000

 

Expected Outputs

Idea Generation

A short proposal outlining the idea you wish to develop, how it will improve understanding of cancer services and the importance of feedback, how it will enhance quality of life, and clear measurable milestones.

Idea Implementation

An outline of how funding will be used (a detailed quote is not required), including estimated costs for materials and/or engagement activities delivered within the £10,000 budget.

Evaluation

Collection of agreed metrics such as number of people reached, number of engagement activities delivered, and qualitative feedback from participants.

Selection Criteria

CriterionAssessment
Alignment with ObjectivesClear alignment with improving cancer experience, quality of life, and increased engagement with cancer support services
Impact and ReachA realistic plan to engage a defined proportion of your community that optimises impact
Innovation and Creativity
  • Organisations will be scored on proposals that demonstrate innovative and creative approach.
  • Evidence of culturally appropriate, innovative, or creative approaches to engagement.
Evaluation and Monitoring
  • Clear, proportionate plans to measure each and impact
  • Collection of metrics, such as the No. of people reached metrics to be agreed as part of the idea.
  • A collection of patient reported stories
Targeted at NEL residents, patients and carersHackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, and the City of London

What NELCA Will Provide

  • Data insights to help identify priority cancer types relevant to your community

  • Project management support to refine ideas and budget planning

  • Communications support and referrals to trusted providers (e.g., videography, translation services)

How to Express Interest

Please complete the Expression of Interest template and submit it to: nelondonicb.nelcanceralliance@nhs.net By 5pm on Tuesday 31st March 2026.

Your submission should be no more than one page and include:

  • Organisation name and address

  • Main contact details

  • The community you will work with

  • NEL Geographic focus (sub-borough, borough, or multiple boroughs)

 

 See link to Personalised Cancer Care programmes for more information on the personalised cancer care programme and delivery plan.