Volunteer to make a difference: Supporting cancer awareness in Fenland

Volunteering can be one of the most powerful ways to support others through life’s most challenging moments. Across Fenland, residents are stepping forward to make a real difference by helping to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms and supporting those affected, and more people are needed.

Following recent conversations around cancer awareness and local support across Fenland, we are continuing to highlight the importance of community connection, early recognition of symptoms, and accessible support closer to home.

Here in Fenland, cancer touches many lives — often quietly and close to home. Through our work at Support Fenland, we regularly see how vital volunteers, community connection, local knowledge and trusted voices are to help people feel supported, informed and less alone.

Fenland’s geography, rural nature and health inequalities mean that people are often diagnosed later and are less likely to recognise early cancer signs and symptoms. This makes local awareness and accessible support more important than ever and highlights the role volunteers can play in helping change that.

Supporting local action through volunteering

At Support Fenland, our role is to connect people, organisations and ideas. That includes working alongside those with great volunteering initiatives, such as Cambridgeshire ACRE and Macmillan Cancer Support, who are aiming to strengthen cancer awareness and support across the district, particularly by encouraging and promoting volunteering opportunities that empower residents to take action locally.

We know that many residents do not always know where to turn, what questions to ask, or even whether what they are experiencing is something to be concerned about. Simple conversations, shared information and trusted community voices can make a powerful difference, and volunteers are often at the heart of those conversations.

That is why we are proud to promote the Fenland Cancer Champion Network, delivered by Cambridgeshire ACRE in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. The network is a growing group of local volunteers helping to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, share information about support services, and encourage early action within their communities.

What is the Fenland Cancer Champion Network?

Fenland Cancer Champions are everyday people who want to make a difference in their community. Champions are not expected to be experts; instead, they use their voice, presence and local connections to:

• Share information about cancer signs and symptoms
• Raise awareness of local events, drop-ins and support groups
• Encourage conversations that help people feel confident to seek help earlier.

Champions might chat with neighbours, share leaflets at local events, attend outreach sessions, or simply help spread the word in ways that feel natural to them. It is flexible, meaningful volunteering that fits around everyday life.

One Fenland Cancer Champion volunteer shared:

I wanted to become a Cancer Champion as I’ve been through cancer myself and want to be able to help other people navigate their way through their cancer journey and be there for any emotional support they may need.

Why volunteering matters in Fenland

Research shows that people living in Fenland are less likely to spot cancer signs and symptoms early. We also know that early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and improved survival rates.

Cancer affects one in two people, which means almost every family, workplace and community is touched by it in some way. Local awareness truly saves lives and community-led volunteering helps ensure that no one feels isolated or overlooked. 

Another Cancer Champion reflected:

I became a Cancer Champion because supporting my mum through her terminal cancer journey changed me forever. During that time, we felt overwhelmingly alone, frightened, exhausted, and unaware that organisations like Cambridgeshire ACRE even existed to offer guidance, practical help, and a listening ear.

We were navigating appointments, emotions and impossible decisions without knowing there was a team ready and waiting for a simple phone call.

The experience taught me not only about strength and love, but also about the gaps in awareness that leave families isolated when they need support most.

Becoming a Cancer Champion is my way of honouring my mum and ensuring that no one else feels the way we did, believing they are alone when, in fact, help, compassion and community are closer than they realise.

Local support, strengthened by volunteers

We are encouraged to see expanding cancer support within Fenland. These groups offer welcoming spaces for people affected by cancer to talk, listen and connect with others who understand.

These kinds of local services matter deeply. They reduce isolation, build confidence and ensure that support is not just available, but truly accessible, often supported by volunteers and community champions who help spread the word and encourage participation.

One cancer support group attendee shared:

As far as I’m concerned this group is a lifesaver. Cancer is a really lonely disease. Being able to meet and talk to people who are going through it as well has helped me more than anyone else.

How you can get involved

If you live in Fenland and want to make a difference, there are simple ways to get involved:

• Learn more about cancer signs and symptoms
• Share information within your community
• Support local events and awareness activity
• Volunteer as a Fenland Cancer Champion.

You do not need specialist knowledge, just compassion, curiosity and a willingness to help others.

Looking Ahead

At Support Fenland, we believe strong communities save lives. By working together with partners, volunteers and residents, we can help ensure that information reaches the people who need it most, that support feels local and approachable, and that no one must face cancer alone.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering through the Fenland Cancer Champion Network, delivered locally by Cambridgeshire ACRE with support from Macmillan Cancer Support or if you would like to share this opportunity within your community, Cambridgeshire ACRE would love to hear from you.

Contact:

Caitlin Evans
Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager
Cambridgeshire ACRE
Email: Caitlin.evans@cambsacre.org.uk
Tel: 07483 990345

Together, we can build awareness, encourage early action and strengthen support across Fenland.