National Strategic Clinical Network for Cancer - Survey
CRT Together • 16 October 2024

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Have Your Say!


Support the National Strategic Clinical Network for Cancer by completing a survey designed to understand the emotional impact of cancer and the support services available to you.

 

Cancer can bring about many different emotions, affecting not only the individual diagnosed but also their friends, families, and carers. These emotions may change over time, and having access to support can help manage them. As part of this project, we would like to hear about your experiences in seeking help for your concerns, or if you felt there was a lack of support available to help manage your feelings and emotions during this time. The team is inviting individuals, family members, and carers impacted by cancer to participate by completing this survey.

 

The overall aim of the project is to identify gaps in current service provision and offer recommendations to enhance psychological and emotional support for cancer patients, their families, and carers.


Link to Survey - English

Link to Survey - Welsh


If you require any further information or would like to share your experience by contacting the team. CLICK TO EMAIL TEAM

 

Or by completing the following form LINK TO FORM and a member of the team will get back to you. 


Thank you - your contribution can make a real difference. 

A poster that says are you a patient family member or carer affected by a cancer diagnosis
by Adam Downey 8 September 2025
Practical help and genuine care close to home. Two local people share how CRT Together’s Link Workers make a tangible difference.
by Adam Downey 1 September 2025
Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil has been able to open the doors to a brand-new hair salon thanks to support from the Breaking Barriers Fund – a project designed to help community organisations test new ideas and expand their reach. The salon, based at Cancer Aid’s centre in Dowlais, provides a unique and much-needed service: free, one-to-one hair appointments for anyone affected by cancer. From wig fittings and restyling, to specialist advice on hair loss and scalp care, the salon offers a calm, private space where people can feel comfortable and supported. During the summer holidays, the team even ran a series of back-to-school haircuts for children – with every appointment helping to fund the continuation of one-to-one salon sessions for patients. “It’s not just about hair – it’s about confidence, dignity and wellbeing,” explains stylist Donna, who runs the service. “For many people, cancer treatment changes the way they feel about themselves. We want to help them feel more like ‘them’ again.” A Service for Patients – and the Wider Community All cancer-related salon services are completely free of charge for registered patients, but the team is also opening its doors through fundraising clinics. These work exactly like a regular salon appointment, with the same calm, quiet environment – but with the added benefit that proceeds go directly back into supporting Cancer Aid’s services. Appointments are available every Thursday, offering: Dry cuts Wash & blow dry Cut & blow dry Hair up / styling Men’s barbering services Wig support (fitting, cutting, washing) Hair, hair loss and scalp care advice Importantly, the salon does not offer chemical treatments such as colours or perms – keeping the focus on wellbeing, confidence, and practical support. 
by Adam Downey 7 August 2025
Thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Breaking Barriers Fund, sessions in Maesteg are now helping local people affected by cancer access gentle, supportive, and empowering exercise through their local parkrun. The group is aimed at those undergoing treatment, survivors, family members, and even local healthcare professionals. The importance of staying active after a cancer diagnosis is well established. Regular, gentle exercise has been shown to reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve physical strength and mobility, and boost overall wellbeing. MOVE Against Cancer’s 5K Your Way programme brings this to life in a friendly, welcoming way that breaks down barriers to participation – especially vital in areas like Maesteg, which faces some of the highest cancer inequalities in Wales. Michelle, one of the Maesteg group’s volunteer ambassadors, shares her story: “I’ve been an active participant at parkrun for more than 10 years. I have complex health conditions, and last year I was also diagnosed with cancer. Attending parkrun has always been an important part of my self-management, so I was delighted to be asked to volunteer as an ambassador for 5K Your Way. I find volunteering extremely rewarding – walking and talking with many participants, including those affected by cancer. Parkrun is far more than a 5K run or walk – it’s social contact, being part of a community, being outdoors in the fresh air. Cancer and chronic health conditions can be very isolating. Isolation can quickly lead to a loss in confidence and increased anxiety. 5K Your Way supports people to take that first step back into community life, and I look forward to each session – it gives me real satisfaction to know that my presence might be helping others.” What’s next? The Maesteg group runs on the last Saturday of each month at the Maesteg Welfare Park parkrun, and is open to anyone affected by cancer. Whether you want to run, walk, or simply come along for a cuppa and chat – you’ll be warmly welcomed. Follow the group's Facebook page here to keep up to date.