New voluntary sector partnership aims to increase cancer screening across Greater Manchester

A new Voluntary Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector-led response is being introduced across all boroughs in Greater Manchester to increase cancer screening rates.

Answer Cancer, the working name of the Greater Manchester Cancer Screening Engagement Programme, aims to increase cancer screening rates, particularly within communities where take-up is currently low.

The engagement programme will work with various organisations including faith groups, residents’ associations and community groups, to raise awareness of screening and possible symptoms and causes of cancer. These organisations will be supported through training, information sessions and grants.

The initiative is a partnership between Salford Community and Voluntary Services (on behalf of 10GM, a joint venture between the Community and Voluntary Services of Greater Manchester), Voluntary Sector North West, BHA for Equality in Health and Social Care, and Unique Improvements social enterprise.

Alison Page, Chief Executive of Salford CVS, and Chair of the Partnership Board, said: “We applaud Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership for recognising that the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector has a great deal to offer in terms of reaching, engaging and supporting local people and communities (by geography and identity) across Greater Manchester and are excited that our partnership has been appointed to deliver such a transformational programme of work.”

The Greater Manchester Cancer Screening Engagement Programme began on 1 April 2019 and will run until at least 2022 with funding from the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.

It aims to increase the uptake of cervical, breast and bowel screening across Greater Manchester whilst reducing the stigma and myths surrounding cancer, cancer screening and prevention.

The Answer Cancer engagement programme also includes a small grants element to help harness VCSE organisations’ reach into specific communities. These funds of between £1,000 and £2,000 will support VCSE organisations in Greater Manchester working with communities to increase cancer screening rates amongst under-represented groups.

The next round of funding will be announced in December 2019.

Further announcements relating to the programme, including any events in the Rochdale borough, will follow in the upcoming weeks.