On Thursday 9 October 2025, Wessex Cancer Alliance hosted the Cancer Care for Everyone – Reducing Inequity Through Personalised Care event at Voco Southampton, bringing together 75 attendees, including 20 Macmillan professionals, to explore how personalised care can reduce inequities in cancer services.
Funded through a Macmillan Education Grant, the event was designed to focus on underserved populations such as people experiencing homelessness, living in prisons, and trans+ communities.
The agenda featured powerful keynote talks, lived experience stories, and interactive workshops covering topics like cultural awareness, cancer poverty, and inclusive communication.
Attendees represented a broad mix of professionals across acute, primary, community, and voluntary sectors, plus roles focused on psychology, inequalities, and patient navigation, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to personalised cancer care.
The event attracted participants from across the Wessex region, including professionals from major hospital trusts such as Portsmouth Hospitals University (PHU), University Hospital Southampton (UHS), and Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (HHFT), alongside colleagues from local primary care networks and VCSE organisations.
Made me think about everyone I may meet whether it be at work or in my personal life, their history I am unaware of”.
Attendee feedback
Watch our summary video of the day.
Event Feedback
The event evaluation survey indicated strong satisfaction and perceived value of the event, with overwhelmingly positive feedback:
- Nearly all respondents said they gained what they wanted from the day, with many expressing renewed motivation and deeper understanding.
- Respondents felt that the key learning objectives had been met. These included understanding personalised cancer care principles, recognising barriers for underserved populations, and reflecting on organisational practice.
- Attendees highlighted the value of hearing from keynote speakers Helena Boyce and Pam Campbell, whose stories were described as “inspiring” and “thought-provoking.”
- Participants enjoyed the breakout sessions offered.
- The Right By You programme of work was repeatedly praised as an outstanding example of integrated, person-centred care.
- Feedback praised the event’s organisation, emotional impact, and inclusivity.
- Practical elements like venue and refreshments and networking opportunities were well received.
- Suggestions for future events included running workshops twice to allow broader participation and providing microphones to improve audibility.
One of the most impactful takeaways for me was the emphasis on adapting support to fit around the patient’s life and what matters most to them. I came away with a stronger awareness of how to support others more effectively and compassionately.”
Attendee Feedback
The event fostered deep reflection, practical learning, and renewed commitment to equity in cancer care.
Participants completed a “Change one thing” form, pledging a single action they will take to drive change in their own practice—ensuring the impact of the day translates into real-world improvements.
To maintain the momentum and build on the success of this event, we are exploring opportunities to host similar learning sessions, ensuring continued collaboration and action on reducing inequities in cancer care.
A heartfelt thank you to all attendees, speakers, and partners—your contributions made this day impactful and inspiring.
Would you like to join our Health Inequalities and Patient Experience Network inaugural meeting?
Date: Thursday 15, January 2026
Time: 2pm-3.30pm
This meeting will take place online via MS Teams.
Please email Emma Leatherbarrow for more details and a meeting invitation.