Roots in prevention and community need
Every tree begins with roots, and the roots of this initiative lie in a shared commitment to addressing health inequalities and improving cancer awareness among some of Tottenham’s most underserved communities.
The partnership grew from Haringey Advice Partnership’s community coffee mornings, Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Information For You initiative and Cancer Community Links’ ambition to work not only with people affected by cancer but also to help prevent cancer through education and early awareness.
These roots are further nourished by national priorities, including the NHS 10-Year Health Plan’s focus on prevention and the National Cancer Plan for England, which highlights the need to improve cancer knowledge among deprived and marginalised populations.
Situated in areas ranked among the 20 per cent most deprived communities in England, the project focuses its outreach on residents who are often described as “seldom heard” and who may face barriers to accessing health information and support.
A strong trunk built on trust
The strength of any tree lies in its trunk, and for this partnership that strength comes from relationships, local knowledge and community trust.
By drawing on existing trusted relationships, Public Voice has enabled the partnership to reach people who might otherwise not engage with cancer awareness: The ability to proactively invite residents, host welcoming events and work closely with GP practices and community organisations are strengths which provide a solid foundation for growth.
The heartwood: mattering and tenderness
At the core of the tree is its heartwood, its strongest and most enduring part. For this project, the heartwood is comprised of two values: “Mattering” and “Tenderness”.
Organisers describe Mattering as helping people feel seen, heard and valued, while Tenderness reflects the care, compassion and humanity shown by participants, volunteers and staff. These values shape every session, creating spaces where residents feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences and supporting one another.
Far from being soft concepts, these qualities are essential to building trust and encouraging meaningful engagement with important health messages.
Branching out across Tottenham
The branches of the tree represent the partnership’s outreach into the community. Working alongside groups including Roj Women, RWCA and Dalmar Heritage and Family Development, the programme is reaching people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, age groups and language communities.
GP practices also play an important role in identifying patients who may benefit from the sessions and encouraging them to attend. Through this outreach, partnership is successfully engaging people with diverse life experiences.
Thanks to the combined networks of Cancer Community Links and Haringey Advice Partnership, the branches of the project continue to extend further into the community.
A canopy of 99 leaves
Every person reached by the programme is represented as a leaf on the Tree of Life.
To date, 99 leaves have grown on the tree, reflecting the 99 residents who have attended Cancer Information For You presentations and benefited from trusted information, discussion and support.
Bearing fruit for the community
The fruit of the partnership can be seen in the outcomes already achieved. Residents have gained a better understanding of cancer symptoms and risk factors, myths about cancer have been challenged, and fears around diagnosis and treatment have been addressed through open discussion.
The sessions provide more than information. Delivered in relaxed community settings, they offer opportunities for people to connect, support one another and access help for wider issues affecting their health and wellbeing. Through Haringey Advice Partnership, attendees can be signposted to advice on housing, benefits, debt and other social challenges that often influence health outcomes.
The partnership has also strengthened relationships between community organisations, GP practices and local residents, creating new opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
Weathering challenges and looking ahead
Like any tree, the project has experienced both sunshine and storms. Positive feedback from community groups, healthcare professionals and participants has helped the initiative flourish. Along the way, the partnership has overcome challenges, including learning how best to work with GP surgeries to identify and invite the residents who would benefit most from the programme.
The collaboration between Cancer Community Links and Haringey Advice Partnership demonstrates how community partnerships can nurture not only greater cancer awareness but also stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
If your organisation, group or practice would like to host and benefit from the free Cancer Information For You talk and coffee morning please email Cancer Community Links: zoe.douglas@publicvoice.uk