Chai reacts to UK Government National Cancer Plan this World Cancer Day

With 11 centres nationwide, the charity stresses importance of reaching people wherever they live

As the UK Government publishes its National Cancer Plan, Chai Cancer Care – the UK Jewish community’s leading cancer support organisation – has highlighted the importance of ensuring people affected by a cancer diagnosis can access support wherever they live in the UK.

In a paper published around this World Cancer Day (4 February), Wes Streeting, the Health and Social Care Secretary, has said that the government plans to reduce disparities in cancer care, improve early diagnosis and ensure specialist services are available across the country, including beyond major urban centres.

Meanwhile, Chai has expanded the range of services at its 11 centres across the UK, ensuring clients and loved ones affected by a cancer diagnosis, whether as a patient or a family member, can receive in person support regardless of where they are based. Services include counselling, support groups and complementary therapies to support people at any stage of a diagnosis.

To extend its reach further, Chai also offers a wide range of online support services for people living across the country. Described as a lifeline by clients over the Covid pandemic, these services continue to ensure that people who are clinically vulnerable or who need flexible, low contact support, can obtain care – ensuring services are available in a way that works for them.

One client, who wished to remain anonymous, is supported by Chai’s service in Manchester. She says: “I look forward to the Chai sessions and gear my weekly schedule around these appointments. Entering Chai is like entering into my secret hideaway from the world. At Chai, I only meet people who are in similar situations to myself, which automatically puts me at ease. I don’t feel that I need to act in a certain manner or put on a smile if I don’t feel that way inclined at the time. Everyone working here is friendly, caring but still maintains professionalism. From the way the appointments are booked and managed to my actual massage treatment, I am always treated with the same care and professionalism as if I was a paying client.”

She adds: “The fact that we don’t need to pay for these services is such a blessing, as we would never be financially able to, as finance is usually an extra stress when dealing with cancer.”

Amanda Newdall, Chai’s Head of Northern Service in Manchester, says: “Our clients often tell us that being supported within their own community gives them a powerful sense of belonging and reassurance at a time when they feel most vulnerable. With established hubs in North and South Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, we also provide both remote support and home visits for clients in Liverpool and surrounding areas.

“Many of the people we support live outside major urban centres and we work flexibly to ensure they can still access care, whether that means arranging support at home or helping with travel to appointments.”

She adds: “We help remove practical barriers to access. For clients who are unable to drive or are too unwell to travel independently, we can arrange transport through volunteers or taxis, ensuring no one is excluded from support because of distance, health or mobility. Chai often supports multiple generations within a single family, and every client is treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect wherever they are based.”

Dr Adrian Tookman is Chair of Chai Cancer Care’s Medical Advisory Panel, which brings together medical and nursing experts to oversee and advise on the charity’s cancer support services. Chai Trustee Dr Tookman, a retired palliative medicine physician, says: “Chai has always had processes in place to access expert medical advice to inform and oversee the charity’s services, ensuring people receive safe, appropriate and holistic support alongside NHS care, wherever they live in the UK.”

Commenting on the National Action Plan, he adds: “We fully agree that the highest quality cancer care and support should be accessed by all, regardless of where someone lives. Clearly, early diagnoses is also key. We also acknowledge that new treatments and interventions may not cure cancer but, for many, cancer can become a long term condition. Living with cancer can be challenging physically and emotionally and a holistic approach to management is key. We believe Chai’s model enhances cancer care for Jewish people and we fully support the National Cancer Plan and the aspiration to have equitable care for everyone.”

Chai Chief Executive Victoria Portnoi says: “Any steps that help ensure people affected by cancer are recognised and supported wherever they live are to be welcomed. For many years, Chai has worked on the understanding that ability to obtain to support should never depend on geography. Through our 11 centres across the UK, from London to Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, alongside our online services, we support individuals and families nationwide and remain committed to being there for people at every stage of their cancer journey.”