Initiating Change
Making our Community Healthier and Happier
Hello to everyone - not just those in Great Yarmouth, but everywhere!
As we approach Christmas and the holidays, it is lovely to be able to share good news amidst all the tragedy around the world. Our message, in trying to help us all to stay healthy, is to make sure we all take up the screening opportunities, as often as possible, in order to prevent tragedy later on, and we are getting there:)
Despite being only part way through our Cancer Screening Programme, I am able to demonstrate the benefits that we have witnessed so far. Led by Dr Sarah Flindall, 4 Clinical Cancer Screening Champion Trainers have been trained. These amazing people have been our leads in training a further 38 Cancer Screening Champions, who are, in turn, spreading the message about the benefits of screening. For instance, one person was so inspired by their session that they immediately made an appointment for screening and attended. If we save only one person in this way, then this is worthwhile - nothing is more precious than life.
Our Fantastic Mandalay Wellbeing held a large event on 1st November - Kick Cancer out the Park, where 8 stand holders from GYUP and James Paget Hospital came along to make the event even more informative and friendly. A football match was arranged, supported by Great Yarmouth Town Football Club, where 20 Cancer Screening Champions were trained and lots of supporters came along too. The weather was kind and a good time was had by all.
Our online approach has resulted in 39 Cancer Screening Videos on Bowel Cancer, Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer being shared online - the first three in English, the following 36 in a wide range of languages. This was a surprise and is overwhelmingly gratifying. To know that people from so many different cultures, not only were willing to engage and translate the text for the videos, but were talking about the content between themselves. Such a fabulous way to welcome people and to know that they too are feeling welcome and are eager to get involved and support their community. These videos are on our lovely new website: gyup.org, and on our new YouTube channel.
They have also been shared on our GYUP Facebook page, which is now linked to 20 groups, made up of different ethnicities. Our new website has been launched, containing links to relevant sites, providing information, articles and videos: gyup.org, and contains signposts to related information sites, including other CICs and individuals, who are members of GYUP and who are doing such wonderful work in our community. In addition, we are required to provide evidence of our progress to our sponsors: Gorleston Primary Care Network; Great Yarmouth & Northern Villages Primary Care Network; Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board. Therefore, we have asked our trainers, trainees, event organisers, and stand holders at events, to complete short surveys. The survey responses will give us additional information on the success or failure of each activity and will help us improve in the future. Two types of data are being collected - Quantitative, giving us statistical analyses, and Qualitative, which gives us context and experiential accounts from participants.
The Quantitative Data collected to date is as follows — Feedback Surveys developed for Event Orgranisers/Trainers/Champions/Event holders/Stall holders/Multi-cultural groups with additional free text:
- 22 Champion responses to date - 58% response rate on the surveys
- 4 Trainer responses to date - 100% response rate on the surveys
- 5 Stand holders to date - 63% response rate on the surveys
- 3 Event Organisers - 100% response rate on the surveys
The Qualitative Data Collected includes:Free text in surveys - space to express opinions and adviceVerbal feedback aside from surveysCommunity responses - notes from groups / audio/video recordings / shared stories
As we go forward into the new year, more events will be taking place and we are looking forward to getting to know more people in our community and to encourage each one of you to look after yourself and get screened.
In the meantime, we wish you all a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy Holiday, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Buon Natal, Feliz Natal, Wesołych świąt, عيد ميلاد مجيد , Chag Sameach, Mutlu Bayramlar, Linksmų Kalėdų, Khad aw Abad ose, Sały nwêt pîroz bet, چھٹیاں مبارک!, Kirismas wacan , கிறிஸ்துமஸ் வாழ்த்துகள்
Thank you ALL
