Projects needing funding

Health in the Workplace

Our Health in the Workplace talks provide potentially lifesaving information on the prevalence of bowel cancer, symptoms to look out for and preventative measures people can take to reduce their risk. Each presentation is delivered by one of our trained volunteers with personal experience of bowel cancer and whose personal story brings to life the importance of knowing and recognising the symptoms of bowel cancer.

In 2010, 3,112 people attended these talks with almost 300 attendees recognising symptoms which they will seek advice from their GP

“People really are missing out if they don't visit these workshops. I am so glad I made the effort to attend. Thank you very much for providing such a wonderful service for us.”  Health in the Workplace attendee

Patient Voices group

Our Patient Voices group is the first UK national patient-to-patient network for people affected by bowel cancer. The group currently has over 175 members who provide peer support to others affected by the disease, raise awareness in the media (and in the workplace) and lobby their MP.

The group has helped hundreds of patients and family members to cope – it is quite literally a lifeline. By raising awareness, the group indirectly benefits thousands more people who might otherwise fail to recognise and act on their symptoms.

"just knowing someone else has had the same problems as me was a real help. Steve shared his experiences with me, gave me support and reassurances that things would get better."

Publications

The Department of Health Cancer Reform Strategy (December 2007) acknowledged that access to high quality information is a prerequisite for patients to be able to participate in decision making about their care and reduce their fear of cancer.

At the core of Beating Bowel Cancer's service is support to patients, carers, family members and healthcare professionals and we are committed to providing quality information to those affected by bowel cancer. We offer a comprehensive range of bowel cancer publications available by post, through our website and on the NHS bowel cancer information pathway.

We are now accredited by the Information Standard, a scheme for health and social care information supported by the Department of Health.  This further enhances our reputation as a reliable and authoritative source of bowel cancer information.

During 2009/10, almost 150,000 patient support and awareness publications were distributed.  In addition, thousands more were viewed and downloaded the information via our website.

Medical Advisory Board

Since November 2008, our Medical Advisory Board has played a vital role in helping the charity to deliver quality information and services by sharing their expertise, collaborating with the charity and acting as spokespeople on behalf of Beating Bowel Cancer.

“The Medical Advisory Board offers Beating Bowel Cancer a broad base of experience to draw from in the field of bowel cancer. As Professor of Oncology at The University of Leicester and Leicester Royal Infirmary, I am delighted to work closely with Beating Bowel Cancer; it is a forward thinking and innovative charity that is working hard to raise awareness of bowel cancer and provide the best possible support for patients.” Prof Steward, Chair of the Medical Board

Patient conference

Beating Bowel Cancer delivers an annual event for patients and their families. This year the event is being held on 2 April and the theme is Beyond Bowel Cancer.

The purpose of the event is to:

• Provide information for patients and their family members, through patient led discussion; presentations from eminent speakers on developments in the diagnosis and management of bowel cancer; updates on the charity services and a series of workshops, talks, demonstrations and information stands.
• Seek feedback from patients and our service users to advise the development of future services from the charity
• Give attendees opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others.
• Awards to recognise the achievements of some of our Patient Voices

Funding for general purposes

You can choose which area of our work you would like to support or you can contribute towards our general funds, allowing us to use your donation where the need is greatest.

If you are interested to support any of these areas, we would be delighted to discuss this further with you and provide more detailed information about our work. Please contact Karen Dawson, Trust and Major Donor Manager on 020 8973 0009