Small charities are the backbone of their communities – trusted, accessible, and uniquely placed to reach people who may otherwise face barriers to vital health information. During Small Charity Week, it is important to recognise the critical role these organisations play in tackling health inequalities and improving cancer outcomes.
Funded by Wessex Cancer Alliance, the Communities Against Cancer (CAC) project works alongside local voluntary and community groups to amplify their impact. Through trusted relationships, small charities are able to connect with underserved communities affected by language barriers, cultural differences, social isolation, or low confidence in accessing healthcare services.
CAC supports these organisations by delivering targeted cancer awareness workshops, providing practical tools through our Padlet resource hub, and recruiting and training Community Health Champions. In addition, small grant opportunities enable charities to design and deliver community-led initiatives that reflect the real needs of the people they serve.
Together, this support empowers small charities to lead life-saving conversations – raising awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, encouraging screening uptake, and promoting earlier diagnosis. By investing in grassroots organisations, CAC ensures that essential cancer messages reach people where they feel safest and most understood, while helping to reduce stigma and strengthen connections with health services.
Quote from Kishor Patel, Community Projects Officer for Action Hampshire
“Small charities may be small in size, but their impact is extraordinary. They have the trust, insight, and reach to engage communities in a way that larger organisations often cannot. Through the Communities Against Cancer programme, Action Hampshire is empowering these organisations to become champions of cancer awareness and early diagnosis. Every conversation started, every Health Champion trained, and every community activity delivered has the potential to save lives. Small charities are not just raising awareness—they are reducing inequalities, building trust, and transforming health outcomes in the communities they serve.”
Want to know more about Communities Against Cancer?
Follow this link to learn more about the project
Follow this link to read about our brilliant health champions
