Cancer Related Health Inequalities

VCSE Grant Fund

The Cancer‑Related Health Inequalities VCFSE Grant Programme supports voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across Lincolnshire to reduce inequalities in cancer care. 

Delivered in partnership with the East Midlands Cancer Alliance and NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, the programme provides small, flexible grants to trusted community organisations supporting people who often face the greatest barriers to diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. 

Across two funding rounds, 16 VCFSE organisations were funded. Some projects have now completed, while others are still delivering and sharing learning at mid‑point. 

What the programme set out to do:

The programme was designed to support community‑led approaches that: 

  • Improve access to cancer diagnostics and treatment 
  • Enhance people's experience during and beyond cancer 
  • Reduce health inequalities for communities most at risk 
  • Remove practical barriers such as transport, language, literacy and digital exclusion 
  • Provide culturally appropriate, non‑clinical, community‑based support 

Funding was small and flexible, allowing organisations to respond quickly and work in ways that feel safe, familiar and accessible for the people they support. 

Funded Projects

Below is a brief overview of each funded project and what it set out to do. Projects are at different stages of delivery, with some now completed and others currently ongoing. 

A survivor‑led cancer support group based in a trusted local setting. The project aims to reduce isolation and fear for people living with and beyond cancer, while building confidence and emotional wellbeing through peer support. 

A local befriending and social support project for older people affected by cancer. The focus is on reducing loneliness, rebuilding confidence and supporting people to reconnect with their community. 

Weekly yoga and therapist‑led group support delivered in a non‑clinical environment. The project combines gentle physical activity with emotional support to help people feel more in control during and after cancer treatment.

Free specialist counselling for individuals, couples and families living with or beyond cancer, offering emotional support at times when people may struggle to access appropriate help elsewhere.

A project focused on understanding transport barriers to cancer diagnostics, treatment and aftercare, using lived experience and community listening to capture insight into real‑life challenges.

Improving access to physical activity for people living with cancer through reduced‑cost sessions, one‑to‑one support and staff training in cancer rehabilitation. 

Community‑based physical activity and wellbeing support for women affected by cancer, including walk‑and‑talk sessions and online support to rebuild strength, confidence and connection. 

A culturally sensitive cancer awareness project working with Traveller communities to improve understanding of symptoms, screening and access to diagnostics and treatment through trusted outreach. 

“Living Well: Before and Beyond Cancer” supports people facing language, literacy or digital barriers through peer cafés, health awareness sessions and practical navigation support. 

Improving access to cancer information and diagnostics for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism by developing accessible communication tools, peer support and health champion training. 

Working with carers affected by cancer to co‑produce accessible information and resources, helping carers feel informed, connected and supported throughout the cancer journey. 

A targeted pilot supporting Polish and Eastern European residents to access cancer diagnostics and treatment through bilingual awareness sessions and one‑to‑one navigation support. 

A creative storytelling project exploring cancer survivorship and supporting family members and friends to better understand how to support loved ones. 

A trauma‑informed wellbeing project combining physical activity with group talking therapy for people affected by cancer. 

A partnership project improving access to physical activity for people living with and beyond cancer, offering reduced‑cost leisure sessions alongside tailored one‑to‑one and group‑based support in inclusive local settings. 

What happens next? 

The programme remains active, with a mix of completed projects and others still delivering. Ongoing monitoring and shared learning will continue to inform future approaches to tackling cancer‑related health inequalities across Lincolnshire, strengthening collaboration between VCFSE organisations and system partners 

Contact: Emily Ward – emily.ward@lvet.org 

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