At CRT Together, a key part of our work is building strong relationships with local organisations so we can better understand what support is available within our communities and how people can be helped at the right time. As part of this ongoing approach, we recently met with Taff Ely Foodbank, which is run by the Trussell Trust, to explore how we can work more closely together. We’re pleased to share that this has led to a strengthened partnership that will help us support people more effectively when they are facing financial pressures. This partnership will support clearer pathways into existing food support services, helping us guide people to the right help when they need it, particularly during periods of cancer treatment, recovery, or other challenging times, when everyday costs can become harder to manage. The CRT Together programme is rooted in working alongside our communities, listening to local need and building partnerships that complement the support already in place. By strengthening these connections, we can help ensure people feel supported, informed and signposted appropriately, without having to navigate complex systems on their own. We’d like to thank Taff Ely Foodbank for taking the time to meet with us, and for the vital work they continue to do within the community. We’re also grateful to our colleagues and partners for their ongoing commitment to supporting people with practical needs alongside emotional and wellbeing support. Are you or a family member impacted by cancer? Get support from a local link worker today by clicking here .

A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything. For many, the journey doesn’t end when treatment finishes, it often leaves lasting scars, both physically and emotionally. One of the final steps in breast reconstruction can be the recreation of an areola, which helps many women feel “complete” again after surgery. Research shows that nipple-areola complex (NAC) tattooing can play a vital role in recovery after breast cancer, helping to restore both physical and emotional wellbeing when reconstruction or surgery has removed the nipple and areola. Unlike surgical nipple reconstruction, 3D tattoos often heal more quickly and can make a real difference to how survivors feel about themselves, improving body image, supporting intimacy, drawing attention away from scars, and helping to restore a sense of wholeness. This support is needed more than ever. A survey by Breast Cancer Now found that 44% of women who had breast cancer said it negatively affected their body image. For many, the emotional fallout of surgery including challenges with identity, confidence and self-esteem, which can be just as difficult to cope with as the physical impact. The fact that nearly half of women report these struggles shows just how widespread the issue is. Now, a local aesthetics practitioner based in Pontypridd is stepping forward to offer her skills to support this vital stage of healing. The psychological and emotional impacts, including loss of identity, lowered self-esteem, mental health stress, are real and longstanding. Chloe’s offer is not just cosmetic, it plays a part in mental wellbeing . Chloe Thomas, who runs Inject Aesthetics , has worked in the aesthetics field for four years. While much of her role has focused on beauty treatments, Chloe wanted to do something that reached deeper than appearance. | “As someone working in aesthetics, I wanted to use my skills to make a real difference beyond beauty treatments. Helping survivors feel more comfortable in their own skin is deeply rewarding and gives my work greater purpose.” Chloe now provides free 3D areola tattoos for breast cancer survivors. This specialist tattooing technique creates the illusion of an areola on flat skin, helping women feel more like themselves again following reconstructive surgery. She explained: | “Breast cancer takes such a toll on both the body and mind. Offering this service helps survivors feel complete again, supporting their healing journey and reminding them of their strength and beauty.” The service is not just cosmetic, it is deeply tied to confidence, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing . For many, having the option of an areola tattoo marks the final step in reclaiming their body and identity after cancer. Chloe hopes her offer will also spark a wider movement within the community: | “I hope it empowers survivors, helps them regain self-esteem, and inspires others in the community to find ways to give back and support those who are healing.” She makes sure every client feels comfortable and supported before their appointment, offering a safe, positive and empowering experience at every stage. If you’d like more information, or support with any other concerns relating to cancer, please get in touch with our CRT Together Link Workers who are here to help by clicking here.