PAVO Attends Macmillan Community Innovation Project Findings Event
Sharon Healey, Head of Health, Wellbeing, and Partnership at PAVO, recently attended the Macmillan Community Innovation Project Findings event in Cardiff. The event explored Macmillan’s efforts to enhance access to cancer information and support services at the community level, focusing on effective, practical approaches to transforming how people access vital resources.
Sharon joined key leaders and contributors in this meaningful discussion, including:
- Eleanor Jones, Project Lead, WCVA
- Tom Broadway, Senior Link Worker at Coalfield Regeneration Trust, leading the Improving Cancer Journey Project, CRT Together
- Dawn Cooper, Professional Engagement and Improvement Lead, Macmillan
Key Objectives of the Project
The initiative reflects Macmillan’s strategic aim to ensure that everyone with cancer knows they can rely on Macmillan for support from the moment of diagnosis. While Macmillan has embedded 12 Cancer Information and Support Services (CISS) Centres across hospitals in Wales—a practical step given hospitals’ frequent touchpoints with patients—there’s growing recognition of the significant role community resources play in cancer care.
The project’s key goals include:
- Expanding Awareness: Ensuring every individual knows the support Macmillan provides and how to access it.
- Community-Centred Support: Developing and evidencing approaches to extend cancer support to local communities, complementing existing hospital-based services.
- Addressing Gaps: Transforming the availability and experience of cancer information and support by filling gaps in local provision and increasing their reach.
PAVO’s Involvement
Sharon Healey’s participation in events like this reflects PAVO’s commitment to promoting innovative approaches to health and wellbeing in Powys. By fostering partnerships and amplifying projects like Macmillan’s, we aim to ensure that Powys communities have the resources they need to thrive.