North East London Cancer Alliance at the Tower Hamlets Summer Fair 2025

North East London Cancer Alliance was delighted to take part in this year’s London Borough of Tower Hamlets Summer Fair, held on Tuesday 15 July at Mile End Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust. This lively and inclusive community event drew hundreds – potentially thousands – of local residents who came along to enjoy the day and access valuable information on healthy living.

Despite the looming grey skies, the weather stayed dry just long enough to make the fair a big success. Local families, carers, patients, and professionals gathered for an afternoon of activities, community engagement and vital health education.

Among the organisations present, North East London Cancer Alliance played a central role in promoting awareness around cancer, from spotting early signs and symptoms to understanding the importance of cancer screening and how to access local support services. With dedicated team members on hand to speak to visitors, the Alliance was able to engage with residents one-on-one and answer key questions around prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment pathways.

A community-driven approach to cancer awareness

Events like this are essential in helping bridge the gap between health services and the people they serve. As Paul Thomas, Communications Manager for the North East London Cancer Alliance, put it:

“Events such as this are really important to connect directly with our communities, understand their concerns and challenges and to have open conversations about cancer.”

The Cancer Alliance’s stall welcomed visitors from all backgrounds, many with stories to share, questions to ask, and a genuine eagerness to learn more. The team handed out materials in multiple languages and conversations took place around risk factors, the benefits of early screening, and how to spot symptoms early.

With the continued aim of reducing health inequalities across the boroughs, the North East London Cancer Alliance uses community events like these to ensure that messaging around cancer is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to the people who need it most.

Connecting with Partners and Familiar Faces

The Summer Fair also offered a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with local partners and long-standing supporters of the Alliance’s work. Familiar faces included Dr Toby Lambeth and Khasruz Zaman, who have both been active in championing community health initiatives across Tower Hamlets.

In addition to the Cancer Alliance, the fair featured stalls and participation from a wide range of organisations working across health and social care, including:

• Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham & Redbridge

• Barts Health NHS Trust

• Healthwatch Tower Hamlets

• London Borough of Tower Hamlets

• Quit Right Tower Hamlets

• Tower Hamlets GP Care Group

The breadth of involvement from local organisations highlights the borough’s commitment to joined-up working and community-focused care.

Looking Ahead

As North East London Cancer Alliance continues its mission to improve cancer outcomes across the region, building trust and visibility at events like the Tower Hamlets Summer Fair is a key part of the strategy.

In areas such as Tower Hamlets, where cultural and language barriers can sometimes prevent people from seeking help early, being present in community spaces is crucial. These interactions offer real-time feedback from residents, foster stronger relationships, and help guide future outreach and educational campaigns.

The Alliance would like to extend a sincere thank you to the organisers of the Summer Fair, including the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Barts Health NHS Trust, and all partner organisations involved. Special thanks to the GP Care Group, Healthwatch, and community groups who helped make the day such a positive and informative experience.

Together, we can make cancer conversations more open, accessible and effective, helping more people live healthier lives and access support when they need it most.