We have been privileged to work alongside Cancer Research UK to deliver 12 Talk Cancer workshops across the five East Midlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) areas.

Between December 2025 and May 2026, 223 people attended online, face-to-face and Train the Presenter sessions designed to build knowledge and confidence around cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis.

The impact is clear, with 98–100% of participants reporting they felt more confident following the training, across every cancer conversation topic. Confidence discussing national cancer screening programmes also increased from 39% to 98%, while confidence discussing people’s fears about cancer rose from 52% to 99%.

The workshops also helped build knowledge amongst attendees and improve their understanding of cancer risk factors, screening programmes and common myths. With 93% (up from 62%) reporting they felt comfortable maintaining appropriate boundaries during cancer conversations, the real-life impact of these workshops is incredible.

The programme also achieved excellent feedback, with 99% satisfied with the workshop overall. Attendees said they planned to use their learning to start conversations, promote screening, signpost people to trusted information and raise awareness within their communities.

Attendees described the sessions as being "culturally relevant with great facilitators", and "seamless and engaging". Attendees also praised the high levels of empathy and care shown throughout the sessions, highlighting the positive and hopeful outlook the sessions inspired in them.

By supporting community workers, volunteers, health professionals and other trusted voices, the workshops are helping accurate cancer information reach more people across the East Midlands.

For more information on the CRUK Talk Cancer workshops, please visit the webpage.