A new Cancer Training Toolkit is now live to help increase awareness and understanding of cancer and NHS screening programmes across Leeds.
The toolkit has been developed by Leeds Health Awareness Service and is designed to support people working in community settings, including voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations.
You can access the toolkit here:
https://leedshealth-toolkit.co.uk/
Built through earlier engagement
This launch builds on earlier work already shared through Forum Central.
Last year, Leeds Health Awareness invited community organisations to help shape the content of the toolkit through a series of online development sessions. These sessions were designed to gather feedback from people who know their communities best and to make sure the final resource would be practical and relevant for use across Leeds.
You can read those earlier posts here:
Join sessions to shape Leeds Health Awareness Cancer Toolkit
https://forumcentral.org.uk/join-sessions-to-shape-leeds-health-awareness-cancer-toolkit/
Leeds Health Awareness: Cancer Training Toolkit Sessions
https://forumcentral.org.uk/leeds-health-awareness-cancer-training-toolkit-sessions/
The final toolkit is now also available on the Forum Central website here:
https://forumcentral.org.uk/cancer-training-toolkit/
What the toolkit covers
The training is written at an introductory level and is open to anyone who wants to build confidence in talking about cancer and screening.
It covers:
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information about different cancers
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signs and symptoms to be aware of
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common myths and misconceptions
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NHS cancer screening programmes
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possible treatments
It also includes practical content on:
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having meaningful and supportive conversations
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planning and delivering effective community events
Additional topics are expected to be added over time in response to feedback and demand.
Designed for community use
The toolkit is aimed at people working or volunteering in the community and recognises the important role trusted local organisations play in sharing accurate information and helping people access support.
Two versions are available:
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SMI Toolkit for staff working with people with a diagnosis of serious mental illness
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VCFSE Toolkit for people working in community settings
This makes it particularly relevant for organisations supporting people who may face barriers to screening, awareness or early diagnosis.
Why this matters
Cancer conversations can be difficult, and screening information is not always easy for people to access or act on.
Community organisations are often in a strong position to:
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challenge myths
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build trust
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support earlier conversations
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encourage people to take up screening or seek help sooner
For Leeds VCSE organisations, this toolkit offers a practical resource that can be used in day-to-day work, awareness activity and community engagement.
Access the toolkit
You can use the toolkit here:
https://leedshealth-toolkit.co.uk/
