Central to the campaign is the work of the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Cancer Outreach Team, which has been delivering engaging breast awareness sessions in community venues across the borough. 

These sessions reached a wide range of groups, including women’s groups, faith groups, places of work and GP practices, helping to break down barriers, dispel myths and build confidence around breast health and the importance of screening. 

The Trust worked with Walsall Council’s Public Health Team and the Black Country Integrated Care Board ICB as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This partnership developed a package designed to support GPs, Nurses, community leaders and volunteers. It included posters, social media content and guidance materials to help spread clear, supportive messages and encourage more to take part in local screening programmes. Targeted advertising was also rolled out. 

“ We know that when women feel heard, supported and informed, they’re more confident about their health. That’s why we’re working together across Walsall to make breast screening and health information more accessible and reassuring.

By joining forces across teams and connecting with our communities, we’re helping women feel in control of their wellbeing, raising awareness of screening services and what they are there for, and encouraging everyone to check their breasts regularly. It’s about honest conversations, meeting people where they are and making health feel more personal and empowering. “

Dr Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health
Walsall Council

“ We’ve seen firsthand how important it is to meet people in their own communities.

When we talk about breast health in familiar settings, people feel more comfortable asking questions and engaging with the information. Our outreach work is year-round. We’re committed to making cancer screening part of everyday conversations. Whether it’s breast, bowel or vague symptoms, we want people to feel confident, informed and supported in making decisions about their health. “

Joanne Barlow, Service Lead
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

The outreach team’s efforts extend beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with ongoing health education sessions focused on breast, bowel, and other types of cancer. These sessions are held in accessible community settings and offer both emotional and practical support to people diagnosed with cancer and their families.

“ I didn’t realise how easy it was to check myself or how important it is to go for screening. I learnt about dimpling in the breast which I didn’t know. The session gave me confidence, and I’ve already spoken to my friends about it. “

Community member
Aaina Community Hub

Residents are also encouraged to learn how to check the look and feel of their breasts or chest regularly. 

Monthly checks help them become familiar with what is normal for them and spot unusual changes early and quickly. 

The area that can be affected by breast cancer reaches all the way up to the collarbones and underneath the armpits. It is important to check this whole area each month.

If changes persist for more than a week, contact your GP.

For more information on how to check, please visit the NHS website.

• If you are undergoing treatment at the Manor Hospital, and require more information on your treatment, please contact your Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS). They are key workers who give advice, guidance, and reassurance, ensuring your needs are met during treatment. The Living with and Beyond Cancer (LWBC) team is dedicated to supporting cancer patients from diagnosis through to recovery. The team’s primary aim is to empower you by ensuring you feel supported and well-informed at every stage. Their assistance can help increase your understanding of the services available to you,
• People living with cancer, as well as those who have previously been diagnosed, frequently have specific emotional and practical support needs. For further help in these areas, please contact the Walsall Healthcare NHS outreach team. They are equipped to provide emotional support and practical guidance tailored to your individual circumstances, helping you navigate both the challenges of treatment and the transition to life beyond cancer.