North East London Cancer Alliance connects with residents at Watney Market Patient Engagement Event

North East London Cancer Alliance (NELCA) attended a Patient Engagement Event at Idea Store Watney Market, connecting with local residents to raise awareness of cancer screening and the range of cancer services and support available across north east London.

The event was well attended, with many residents keen to learn more about the work of the Cancer Alliance and the services available to support them and their families.

Throughout the event, the team had valuable conversations with residents about cancer awareness, the importance of early detection and how to access relevant healthcare services.

Supporting unpaid carers

An important part of the day involved speaking with unpaid carers who were interested in finding out what support was available to them.

The team was able to signpost these residents directly to the local Carers Centre, which was also represented at the event, helping them connect with services that could offer further information, advice and support.

Raising awareness of bowel cancer screening

Conversations about bowel cancer screening also highlighted the importance of community engagement.

Several residents shared that they had previously received bowel cancer screening kits through the post but had stopped receiving them.

NELCA was able to direct these residents to representatives from the bowel cancer screening service, who were also in attendance, so they could receive further guidance and information about accessing screening.

The importance of community engagement

Events like these provide valuable opportunities to engage directly with residents, understand the barriers they may face when accessing healthcare services and connect them with the support they need.

By working alongside local organisations and healthcare services, NELCA continues to support greater awareness of cancer screening, encourage early detection and help make cancer information and services more accessible to communities across north east London.