Tenovus Cancer Care wants to work closely with those most affected by cancer to ensure that what matters most to the communities in Wales is heard and addressed, whether this is through research, policy, or services.
The All-Wales Cancer Community (AWCC, or Community) was launched in summer 2022 and is an informal group of people affected by cancer who are interested in sharing their experiences to help make changes.
Often patients and their loved ones don’t get the opportunity to use their expertise to make change. The AWCC provides a way for anyone affected by cancer to engage with decision makers, through offering views, opinions, and ideas on existing / proposed services, research, policy, etc. or through signing up for a local campaign in their area. The Community is an ever-growing, dynamic and fluid group, in which members can contribute as much or as little as they like, and the opportunities offered will reflect this flexibility.
In order to set up the AWCC, we spoke to a group of keen and committed people with direct experience of cancer, so they could help us design and establish the group. We called this the AWCC steering group and they were key to achieving this Community. Now that the Community has been established, the purpose of the steering group is to help ensure that this continues to evolve alongside the needs of people affected by cancer in Wales, ensuring full involvement of people affected by cancer throughout.
We are looking for two new steering group members to join our group of six, to advise and help the AWCC ensure that everyone affected by cancer has a voice.
More information and application here
What would I be doing?
Members of the steering group meet via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, to contribute to the continuing development of the All-Wales Cancer Community by:
- Contributing views, representing the voice of the public
- Reviewing our ideas and giving feedback
- Providing feedback on how we communicate with the AWCC
- Discussing practical issues such as recruitment, and increasing diversity within the AWCC
- Discussing opportunities that have been submitted (if required)
The group will meet no more frequently than every third month, and no more than 4 times within 12 months.
What skills & qualities do I need?
- Currently living in Wales
- Has been affected by cancer – or has been a carer for someone with cancer
- Comfortable giving your opinion to a group in a polite but effective manner
- Ability to participate in group discussions
- Be respectful of others’ opinions
- Listening skills
- Maintain confidentiality where required
How much time will it take?
Steering group meetings are usually 2 hours long and happen twice a year – with the possibility of ad hoc meetings in between.
You may receive ad-hoc email communication in between, and we encourage engagement via this method when we need feedback/input outside of the scheduled meetings.
What support will I be given?
Each steering group meeting will be facilitated by a Tenovus Cancer Care member of staff. You will receive guidance on topics to be discussed and information on any tasks given. You will also be able to contact the Insight team by email for additional support, as required.
Please visit our volunteer opportunity page here, for further information and details on how to apply.