Enabling Community Action to Reduce Cancer Inequalities Across Lincolnshire

Supporting VCFSE organisations to reach communities that are often missed 

Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team (LVET) has played a key role in enabling voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations to help tackle cancer-related health inequalities across Lincolnshire through a dedicated grant programme funded by the East Midlands Cancer Alliance (EMCA).  

The Cancer Related Health Inequalities VCFSE Grant Programme was designed to support community-led action focused on cancer prevention, raising awareness, encouraging earlier diagnosis and improving access to services for people who are often underserved by traditional health provision.  

Through the programme, more than £80,000 was distributed to fund 16 projects delivered by 17 VCFSE organisations across the county.  

Harnessing the strengths of local communities 

Cancer outcomes can vary significantly between communities. Many people face barriers to accessing information, screening programmes and support services, particularly those from underserved groups.  

This programme recognised the unique role VCFSE organisations play in addressing these challenges. As trusted, locally embedded organisations, they are often able to engage people in ways that statutory services cannot, helping important health messages reach communities earlier and more effectively. 

By supporting grassroots organisations to design and deliver tailored responses, the programme has helped strengthen the connection between communities and health services while demonstrating the value of community-led approaches. 

Creating opportunities for VCFSE organisations 

Beyond funding projects, the programme has created opportunities for VCFSE organisations to strengthen their role within the wider health and care system. There have been opportunities for participating organisations to build relationships with NHS and health partners, raise the profile of their work and contribute to strategic conversations about tackling health inequalities. 

LVET has also played an important behind-the-scenes role in advocating for organisations throughout the programme, supporting programme design, building relationships with key partners and ensuring the needs of funded organisations were represented. When funding delays occurred, advocacy work helped secure agreement that organisations would not be required to begin delivery until funding had been received.  

Early impact and future opportunities 

The programme has already delivered significant progress. Funding has been distributed to 17 VCFSE organisations, project learning has been shared with key strategic boards, and partnership working has been encouraged across the sector.  

Importantly, five projects have already secured additional funding to continue and expand their work, highlighting the potential of community-led approaches to create lasting impact.  

A full programme report is expected to be available following project completion, providing a deeper understanding of outcomes, community reach and the longer-term value of involving the VCFSE sector in addressing cancer inequalities.  

Why this matters 

This programme demonstrates the vital role that Lincolnshire’s VCFSE ecosystem can play in improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities. By enabling local organisations to reach communities that are often overlooked, the programme is helping to create a more inclusive approach to cancer awareness, prevention and support across the county. 

As the programme concludes, LVET will continue to champion the contribution of VCFSE organisations and share learning that can help shape future approaches to tackling health inequalities across Lincolnshire.  

Key facts 

• 16 community projects funded across Lincolnshire.  

• 17 VCFSE organisations supported.  

• More than £80,000 distributed to community organisations.  

• Focus on cancer prevention, awareness, early diagnosis and access to services.  

• Five projects have secured further funding to continue and scale up their work.  

• Final programme report and findings to be shared following project completion.