The Fishermen’s Mission announces new initiative to improve cancer awareness within the North Shields fishing community. 

National fishermen’s charity, the Fishermen’s Mission is excited to announce a new, 3-year initiative, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, the first of its kind within the maritime sector. 

Following in the footsteps of The Fishermen’s Mission’s nationally acclaimed, SeaFit initiative, which delivers health and healthy lifestyle services direct to fishermen on the quayside, The Cancer Community Champion Programme known as ‘C-Aware’, will be working within the fishing community in North Shields.

C-Aware will recruit cancer community champions and offer flexible cancer education sessions and community focus groups with the aim of increasing cancer awareness and breaking down barriers to accessing cancer screening, treatment and support.

Deb Johnstone, C-Aware Programme Manager, said, ‘Working with Macmillan Cancer Support, we have identified that people living in some of the most deprived parts of the UK are experiencing significant difficulties in accessing personalised cancer care, this includes fishermen and their families in coastal communities.’ 

‘We will be developing bespoke methods to engage with this community to remove stigmas and myths associated with cancer screening and diagnosis as well as pushing for relevant Information and signposting to aid in rebuilding connections to cancer community services and promoting cancer aftercare.’  

‘As a result of this work, we will be aiming to meet the needs of those living with cancer to ensure everyone has access to vital preventative measures through access to screening, awareness of symptoms and healthy lifestyle choices.’

C-Aware will work with stakeholders including cancer community champions to advocate for a people first, approach to help with easier access to cancer care for all. As well as looking towards breaking down barriers and embarrassment by normalising cancer conversations within the fishing community making for a widespread, meaningful impact. 

Marc Evans, Chief Executive of the Fishermen’s Mission added, ‘We were privileged to have been approached by Macmillan Cancer Support and are now really excited to be working in association with them to deliver C-Aware. 

The Fishermen’s Mission has a long-standing relationship with the community of North Shields, we have been proud to be able to serve the active and former fishermen and their families for many decades.  This new service is something that we are very pleased to offer.’

‘We will be looking for members of the local community to join us as Cancer Community Champions, who will be provided with training to champion the aims and objectives of the initiative in the area.’  

‘Active fishermen can also undertake bitesize training sessions to help them have important conversations about cancer with their crew, skippers, family members and those in the wider fishing community. Creating a safe space for these conversations will enable individuals to advocate for their own personalised cancer care plan, if ever needed, and help them make informed choices that suit them and their lifestyle.’

Healthcare within the fishing community is something that is often overlooked, the importance of The Cancer Community Champion Programme and others like this is something that cannot be missed. Fishermen from the North Shields Fish Quay were asked about their experiences and thoughts on health appointments in the area:

– Chris ‘I tried to make an appointment for my health when I was not at sea. I was given an appointment when the tide was good so I could not attend. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid.’

– Norman ‘ I don’t put my health first and never have. I have learnt behaviour of just getting on with it like my dad, who was also a fisherman.’

– Mick ‘It’s the fear of knowing what’s wrong with me that puts me off attending health appointments.’

Further information about the Fishermen’s Mission: Established in 1881, the Fishermen’s Mission (also known as the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen) is the only national charity that works solely with active fishermen, former fishermen and their families.

Providing services around the whole of the UK coastline they offer financial, practical, wellbeing and pastoral support including 24/7 emergency response for fishermen who are taken ill or have an accident or lost at sea.  The Fishermen’s Mission is entirely funded by charitable donations and does not