Healthcare can be a challenge for fishermen and their families. Appointments are hard to attend when you’re at sea, and many people put their own health last. That’s why we’re launching a new, three-year initiative in North Shields: the Cancer Community Champion Programme, known as C-Aware, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support. It’s the first programme of its kind in the maritime sector.
Following on from our SeaFit programme, which brings health and lifestyle support directly to fishermen on the quayside, C-Aware will recruit cancer community champions and provide flexible education sessions and community focus groups. The aim is simple: increase awareness of cancer, remove barriers to screening and treatment, and help people access the support they need.
Deb Johnstone, C-Aware Programme Manager, explains:
“Some of the communities we work with experience real difficulties in accessing personalised cancer care. This includes fishermen and their families. Through C-Aware, we’ll find ways to engage directly with the community, tackle myths and stigma around cancer, and signpost people to services that can help.”
Breaking down barriers and making conversations easier
The programme will train local community members as Cancer Community Champions. Active fishermen will also have the opportunity to undertake bite-sized training sessions so they can have important conversations about cancer with crew, skippers, family members, and others in the fishing community. The goal is to create a safe space where people can advocate for their own care and make informed decisions that suit their lifestyle.
We know healthcare in fishing communities is often overlooked. Fishermen in North Shields have shared the real challenges they face:
- Chris: “I tried to make an appointment when I was not at sea. I was given a time when the tide was good, so I couldn’t attend. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid.”
- Norman: “I don’t put my health first and never have. I’ve learnt to just get on with it, like my dad did.”
- Mick: “It’s the fear of knowing what’s wrong that puts me off attending appointments.”
By working with local champions and partners like Macmillan, C-Aware will help fishermen and their families access screening, treatment, and support, while normalising conversations about cancer within the community.
