Cancer Community Links was launched in 2022 as a pilot service to support people living with and beyond cancer in Haringey. The pilot programme, funded and in partnership with West and North London Integrated Care Board and the North Central London Cancer Alliance, was focused on helping those experiencing deprivation and health inequalities in particular.
Public Voice shaped the new service through co-design with local communities and with local health partners, launching for residents living in the most deprived areas of Haringey. Working with 9 GP practices, the Cancer Community Links team proactively engaged patients on their respective Cancer Registers, offering connection and support.
In 2025, building on the learnings and successes of the Cancer Community Links pilot, Macmillan awarded funding for an expanded ‘Improving Cancer Journeys’ programme, embedded in the local community. The new programme is designed to offer holistic support to residents in Haringey and extending into neighbouring Enfield, as well as building the capacity of other parts of the health and social care ecosystem to offer relevant and culturally competent support to people at different stages of the cancer journey.
A report outlining the learnings and impact of the Cancer Community Links pilot has been shared to inform the Improving Cancer Journeys programme, and others considering holistic, personalised support services for communities experiencing inequalities.
Some highlights of the Cancer Community Links programme in numbers:
- 1,321 patients proactively contacted
- 411 clients supported
- 12.8%: average increase in client wellbeing
- £13,571 per client: the estimated monetary value of improved wellbeing, provided by independent programme evaluators
- 85 professionals trained through 5 cancer study days
- 70.9% of clients lived in the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods nationally (with a further 27% living in the next most deprived quintile).
Some news from the pilot programme can also be found below:
Celebrating Cancer Community Links
Partnership working bring vital cancer awareness