Macmillan Project
Co-producing accessible cancer information with local communities
We worked in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and Torbay Communities to improve how people access and understand information about cancer.
The project focused on engaging with people who are more likely to face barriers – including people with learning disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, ethnic minority groups and those living in more deprived areas – and working alongside them to co-produce clearer, more accessible information.
This ensured that communication materials were not only accurate, but genuinely usable for the people they are intended to support.
What the project has done
- Engaged directly with 385 local people, including those affected by cancer and underserved communities
- Delivered a two-year programme of community engagement, listening events and co-design workshops
- Identified key barriers to understanding cancer information, including language, format and accessibility
- Worked with communities to co-produce new communication materials, including easy-read resources and visual content
- Developed accessible materials to help people recognise symptoms and understand what to do next
- Supported partners to review how information is shared across services
Impact and outcomes
- Co-produced accessible cancer awareness materials, including learning disability-friendly posters now used across hospital wards and community settings
- Improved understanding of cancer symptoms and pathways for people with additional communication needs
- Increased accessibility of information for people whose first language is not English
- Identified gaps in existing communication, including overly complex guides and lack of localised information
- Highlighted the need for simpler, shorter formats, including easy-read leaflets and clearer signposting
Key Reports
Latest news and events
This project is ongoing. Here are the latest updates, news and events.
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ECSW publishes its Annual Report for 2024–25
Engaging Communities South West (ECSW) has published its Annual Report for April 2024 to March 2025.
