Meet Cathy Kane
Our interim CEO talks about her first 100 Days at SIG
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We’re excited to share an important project we’ve been working on in partnership with NHS NW London and RM Partners. The collaboration aims to improve cancer screening uptake among people who often face the most significant barriers to healthcare access.
This project began in 2023 with a simple but powerful goal: to make cancer screening more accessible and approachable for people experiencing complex challenges like homelessness, poor mental health, substance use, or involvement with the criminal justice system. These individuals are often overlooked, and we wanted to change that.
We started by listening. Over three months, our Group Clinical Lead hosted forums across our services in RBKC, Ealing, and Brent. Residents and participants (RPs) shared their thoughts, experiences, and concerns about cancer screening. Some of the things we heard were tough but important: stories of past trauma, fear of judgment, anxiety, and practical issues like travel costs or inconvenient appointment times. These insights helped us understand what was getting in the way.
Next, we returned to those communities and asked: What would help? The answer was clear: people wanted information that felt relevant, respectful, and easy to understand. So, we created a series of five short educational videos covering common cancer symptoms and the main NHS screening programmes (cervical, breast, and bowel cancer). These videos were designed to support staff in having open, honest conversations about cancer and to help RPs feel informed and empowered.
What’s Next?
We’re working with services across the group to:
We’re also creating trauma-informed posters, leaflets, and a signposting sheet to help services share the videos.
Make a Difference With Us
This project is a testament to what’s possible when the NHS and VCSE sector work together. By listening to lived experience and co-producing solutions, we can break down barriers and ensure that everyone—regardless of their circumstances—has the opportunity to benefit from early cancer detection.
If you’d like to get involved, share your feedback, or request resources please email us at: fundraising@socialinterestgroup.org.uk
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