Age Concern Hampshire are delighted to announce that they have been awarded funding from Action Hampshire, through the Communities Against Cancer Fund. The project aims to increase awareness, improve the early diagnosis of cancer, and help achieve better health outcomes.
With a focus on providing guidance through access to essential information and group activities, the project will help clients across Age Concern Hampshire’s services, including those with additional and complex needs (such as dementia). Engaging in conversations around cancer will provide valuable support, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and choices to help them spot the early signs of cancer and reduce their risk.
The likelihood of getting most types of cancer increases with age, and half of all cancers are diagnosed in people over 70. Yet despite this, people over 75 are the only group in which death rates from cancer have increased since the 1970s. Almost a third of cancers in the over-70s are only diagnosed when a patient is admitted to hospital as an emergency. However, compared to countries with similar health care systems, the outcomes for older people in the UK are worse in relation to treatment, quality of life and survival.
The project, based at their Care and Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath, will include the support and training of volunteers and staff, enabling them to provide key information to vulnerable beneficiaries and engage in conversation around cancer. With access to face-to-face support, Age Concern Hampshire aim to educate communities about the signs and symptoms of cancer, emphasising the importance of early detection and decreasing the overall risk of cancer.
Brogan Rehill, Fundraising Manager at Age Concern Hampshire said “We’re delighted to be supporting the Communities Against Cancer project, funded by Action Hampshire. Our goal is to share important information and help our local community become more aware. We want to provide valuable knowledge about cancer so that people can recognise early signs.”
Understanding the unique needs of older people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, Age Concern Hampshire strives to create an inclusive environment that fosters engagement and accessibility. If you or someone you know would benefit from hearing from us about our services and projects, please use the link below to sign up to our newsletter via our website: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/volunteer-hampshire/make-a-donation/
For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk
Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX