Volunteers and staff from local pilot, Gateshead Cancer Advocacy, armed themselves with display stands, leaflets and posters to promote their service within the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.

As part of the new display we posed questions that a person wishing to access a cancer advocacy service may present – in this way they can relate to their own situation and make further enquiries about accessing the service
The purpose was to raise awareness and attract new referrals into the service. We staffed an information stall situated in the out-patients department which targeted patients attending day appointments with their consultants. The following day we moved the information stand to outside the hospital restaurant targeting the public and medical staff particularly attracting the lunchtime trade.
Much interest was evoked and many leaflets were given out by local Cancer Champion, Patricia, Volunteer Support Advocate, Anne and Project Lead, Alan. We are hopeful our efforts will result in some new referrals being received.
Alan Davison, cancer advocacy co-ordinator