Volunteering can be one of the most effective ways to support people through life’s most challenging moments. Across Fenland, residents are stepping forward to help raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms and to support those affected. More volunteers are needed to ensure this support reaches everyone who could benefit.

Following recent conversations about cancer awareness and local support in 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 Cambridgeshire ACRE, we see how vital volunteers, local knowledge and trusted community connections are in helping people feel informed, supported and less alone.

Fenland’s rural geography and existing health inequalities mean people are more likely to be diagnosed later and less likely to recognise early cancer signs and symptoms. This makes locally based awareness and support particularly important, and highlights the role volunteers can play in helping to change outcomes.

Supporting local action through volunteering

We are working to strengthen cancer awareness and support across the district by encouraging volunteering that empowers residents to take action in their own communities.

Many people do not always know where to turn, what questions to ask, or whether what they are experiencing is something to be concerned about. Simple conversations, shared information and trusted community voices can make a real difference. Volunteers are often at the heart of those conversations.

That is why we facilitate the Fenland Cancer Champion Network, a growing group of local volunteers who help raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, share information about support services, and encourage people to seek help earlier.

 

What is the Fenland Cancer Champion Network?

Fenland Cancer Champions are local people who want to make a difference in their community. Champions are not expected to be experts. Instead, they use their presence, connections and local knowledge 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 seeking help earlier

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

One Fenland Cancer Champion shared:

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

 

Why volunteering matters in Fenland

Evidence shows that people living in Fenland are less likely to recognise 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, meaning almost every family, workplace and community is touched by it in some way. Community‑led volunteering helps ensure people are not isolated or overlooked, and that information reaches those who need it most.

Another Cancer Champion reflected:

Supporting my mum through her terminal cancer journey changed me forever. We felt frightened, exhausted and unaware there was support available. Becoming a Cancer Champion is my way of honouring my mum and helping ensure no one else feels alone when support, compassion and community are closer than they realise.

 

Local support, strengthened by volunteers

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

These services matter. They reduce isolation, build confidence and help make support genuinely accessible, often through the commitment of volunteers and community champions who encourage people to get involved.

One support group attendee shared:

This group is a lifesaver. Cancer is an incredibly lonely disease. Meeting others going through the same thing has helped me more than anything else.

 

How you can get involved

If you live in Fenland and would like 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

By working together with partners, volunteers and residents, we can help ensure information reaches the people who need it, support feels local and approachable, and no one has to face cancer alone.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with 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, we would love to hear from you.

 

Contact

Caitlin Evans, Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager, Cambridgeshire ACRE. Email: caitlin.evans@cambsacre.org.uk or tel: 07483 990345.