North East London Cancer Alliance joins Havering Kids Fun Day

The North East London Cancer Alliance was delighted to take part in the Havering Kids Fun Day at the Play Park, Macon Way, Upminster, organised by the London Borough of Havering. The sunny weather set the perfect scene for a day designed to bring families together for fun, while also sharing important health messages.

Our team - Sarah Koya, Rita Majek, and Paul Thomas were on hand to meet local residents and offer practical tips on cancer screening, as well as advice on spotting the signs and symptoms of cancer. We also used the opportunity to highlight the local cancer services available in north east London and listen to the community’s experiences and concerns.

The event was packed with activities for children, including face painting, a bouncy castle, mini athletics, balloon modelling, magic shows, and bubbles. Health-focused stands gave visitors the chance to see just how much sugar is hidden in popular drinks and learn about the importance of healthy tooth brushing, including the recommended brushing time.

We were joined by Councillor Gillian Ford and Councillor Oscar Ford, who both stopped by to hear more about our work and how we are addressing some of the cancer challenges recently highlighted in the news. We also had the pleasure of catching up with Live Well Havering and thanking them for their ongoing collaboration.

Rita Majek, from the North East London Cancer Alliance, said:
“It was fantastic to be out in the community speaking directly with residents. Events like this help us share important health messages in a relaxed setting, but they also give us the chance to listen. Understanding people’s concerns and barriers to screening is vital in helping us shape services that work for everyone.”

These community events are an important opportunity for us to have meaningful, face to face conversations with residents. They help us better understand the barriers people face in accessing cancer services and enable us to work together to make a positive difference. The day was a wonderful blend of fun, networking, and awareness raising - and we were proud to be part of it!