| Link to newsletter Hello! |
| Welcome to the October Monthly Briefing, the information in this briefing is for you as a Group Leader or Group Organiser. The relentless rain has abated today, and as I write the sun is shining. We hope this briefing finds you well. We have some staff news this month, our National Support Group Coordinator, Mark, has left Tackle as his contract has ended. Next month, we will welcome a new member of staff, Adam, as our new (Northern Regional) Peer Support Group Development Officer. We are currently recruiting for a (Midlands Regional) Peer Support Group Development Officer, and if you know anyone who fits the bill, please forward them this link. The closing date for applications is 20th October. These roles are funded by our new National Lottery award, and the new roles will work with existing groups and communities to set up new groups in their region. Below, you will find a link to our Hot Topics, which we would ask you to forward to your group members. If you would like to feature anything in this briefing or at a future Support Group Leaders meeting, then do please get in touch. The last month has been busy, as we have been visiting and supporting a number of new and existing groups. We also held a very successful workshop ‘Approaching the Truth’ 15 Group Leaders from across the UK came together in Birmingham for an interactive session helping them to create a safe space in their support groups for sharing and approaching challenging thoughts and feelings. Almost 90% of people would recommend the workshop to other group leaders, with one delegate stating ” I found the session very useful. It focused my thoughts on what the purpose of our group is and my role as a leader. It also clarified my understanding of the needs of group members” Thanks to Henry Andrews for facilitating this excellent workshop. We hope to secure funds for more sessions like these in the future. Chat soon, Sarah and The Tackle Team. |
| Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Survey |
| Thanks to those of you who completed our survey on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Those of you who came to the last Support Group Leaders meeting will also have participated in further discussions led by Martin Wells from Shaping Prostate Cancer Literacy. Martin has kindly developed two rubrics. One for assessing your willingness as an individual to embrace EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), and the second for evaluating foundational knowledge and practices in implementing EDI within your group. They are a tool for you to use for your own and your support groups development. We will be revisiting this important topic in future meetings and workshops.Do get in touch with any comments or suggestions. |
| Don’t Miss This |
| Hot Topics to share with your Group Members |
| Tackle 5k: Tony’s Way |
| If you haven’t heard, our Vice-Chair, Tony Collier is three weeks into his 10-week 5k training programme, after having his knee replaced 6 months ago. This is Tackle’s first big effort into a community fundraising challenge, and similar to the ethos of support groups, we need to come to together to strengthen our rate of success. What can you do? We’re encouraging you and your groups members to get involved by either testing out his 10-week training programme, or donate to his JustGiving page. The training programme has been specially designed for those who are living with prostate cancer or recovering from a major injury. As we know, exercise is so beneficial for our mental and physical health. However Tony recognised that there needed to be an accessible training plan for people who are living or affected by a long-term illness. The 10-weeks gradually gets harder, but in a way that’s doable for people like you and your group members. Although Tony is working towards his 5k run on 30th November, the plan has been designed so people can start their challenge when it suits them. Take a look, and if you fancy it, why not consider starting your own fundraiser to see how much you can raise? Tony, is aiming to raise £5,000 to help set up two new support groups in areas of need. Although a big target, we have every faith that he will succeed – but we need your help in contributing and spreading the word, by sharing just how important prostate cancer support groups are. What’s interesting about Tony’s story, is that his prostate cancer never stopped him from running, but his knee surgery has. Let’s come together and show our support for his challenge. Follow us on social media for regular updates. |
| Group Leaders Meeting |
 This friendly and supportive group is open to anyone in an organising role . If you haven’t been before, please do come along.Next months meeting we shall be hearing from staff from PCUK, who have kindly offered to facilitate a session on diversity, inclusion and equity. As normal we shall be having our regular Hot Topics session. If you would like to include anything then let us know. Date: Tuesday November 5th Time: 11.00am- 12.30 Link: Button Below |
| Help Shape the future strategy of Prostate Cancer UK |
| Prostate Cancer UK is launching the 1000 Men campaign to find out what is most important to those affected by prostate cancer. Phase 1 of 1000 Men is an anonymous survey that takes just 5 minutes to complete. Your feedback will help shape their 2026 strategy and improve the support services they provide. This is your chance to shape the work of our partner charity. Please complete the survey by clicking the button below. |
| Group Spotlight |
| This month we are celebrating two groups. High Peak Prostate Cancer Support Group, and The Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group. The Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group was formed back in 2003, and is still going strong today. Led by Den Bray and Tim Stannard, and a hard working bunch of volunteers, they are actually 1 group in 3 locations. They provide peer support for all people living and affected by prostate cancer in Lancaster, Kendall and Bentham. They were set up to support people across the Morecambe Bay area, and support people wherever they receive their diagnosis or treatment. The BPCSG, also do some great awareness raising across the whole area. And the past few months has seen them attend numerous shows and events to promote their group and raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, and the benefits of getting a PSA blood test. They attended the Westmorland Show over 2 days and the 100th Anniversary Bentham Agricultural Show. At both events they spoke to hundreds of people. They also managed to chat with a their local MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, about why some men struggle to get a PSA blood test from their GP and Tim suggested it ought to be included in the annual health check. They also talked about our Boys need Bins campaign. High Peak Prostate Cancer Support Group celebrated its 14th anniversary last month, and I was privileged to attend their group to talk about our work as Tackle Prostate Cancer. At the meeting in September, two of the original founding members Mike and Nigel, spoke of how important the group has been in supporting them with their prostate cancer. Based at Blythe House Hospice, the group was formed in September 2010 and its aim is to support and help anyone affected by prostate cancer, be that a patient, wife, partner, carer, friend. The supportive and welcoming Group is facilitated by two specialist hospice staff who have a knowledge and understanding of issues related to prostate cancer. Guest speakers are invited to present and answer questions on issues related to prostate cancer such as; treatment decisions, managing side-effects, nutrition and continence advice. The meetings also provide an excellent opportunity for those affected by prostate cancer to talk and provide advice, If you would like us to visit your group then please get in touch |
| Group Spotlight |
| This month we are celebrating two groups. High Peak Prostate Cancer Support Group, and The Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group. The Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group was formed back in 2003, and is still going strong today. Led by Den Bray and Tim Stannard, and a hard working bunch of volunteers, they are actually 1 group in 3 locations. They provide peer support for all people living and affected by prostate cancer in Lancaster, Kendall and Bentham. They were set up to support people across the Morecambe Bay area, and support people wherever they receive their diagnosis or treatment. The BPCSG, also do some great awareness raising across the whole area. And the past few months has seen them attend numerous shows and events to promote their group and raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, and the benefits of getting a PSA blood test. They attended the Westmorland Show over 2 days and the 100th Anniversary Bentham Agricultural Show. At both events they spoke to hundreds of people. They also managed to chat with a their local MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, about why some men struggle to get a PSA blood test from their GP and Tim suggested it ought to be included in the annual health check. They also talked about our Boys need Bins campaign. High Peak Prostate Cancer Support Group celebrated its 14th anniversary last month, and I was privileged to attend their group to talk about our work as Tackle Prostate Cancer. At the meeting in September, two of the original founding members Mike and Nigel, spoke of how important the group has been in supporting them with their prostate cancer. Based at Blythe House Hospice, the group was formed in September 2010 and its aim is to support and help anyone affected by prostate cancer, be that a patient, wife, partner, carer, friend. The supportive and welcoming Group is facilitated by two specialist hospice staff who have a knowledge and understanding of issues related to prostate cancer. Guest speakers are invited to present and answer questions on issues related to prostate cancer such as; treatment decisions, managing side-effects, nutrition and continence advice. The meetings also provide an excellent opportunity for those affected by prostate cancer to talk and provide advice, If you would like us to visit your group then please get in touch |
| In need of some promotional material? |
| We have four styles of branded pull up banners, and we can personalise A5 flyers for your group in a range of designs. Support grants may be available to fund these. To find out more, please contact us at [email protected] |
