Our Patient, Carer and Public Involvement Network
Our Involvement Network involves a diverse range of people from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Working with us you can get involved in improving cancer services and support in a range of different ways, from projects about:
- keeping people well
- ensuring people get an early or faster diagnosis of cancer
- making treatment and care more personal to individuals
- shaping new innovations in cancer care
- upskilling the cancer workforce
Anyone affected by cancer can join at any time, including patients, carers, family members and anyone else who is interested in participating. It’s for people from all parts of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and for people of all ages and experiences, especially those with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Annie is the Patient and Public Involvement Officer from Involving People, an independent organisation with expertise in public engagement. To get in touch email anniedimmick@helpandcare.org.uk
Please do read more below or get in touch if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will have your own reasons for getting involved and these will be different to others. You may have an interest in a particular cancer or want to influence specific projects.
Getting involved is an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and develop your understanding of the NHS and cancer services and support. Volunteering in this way can have positive benefits to your well-being.
There are different ways to get involved depending on what you would like to do. In the past people have shared their experiences in a variety of ways:
- at cancer events
- by giving feedback via leaflets and websites
- sharing their views on screening via surveys and focus groups
- taking part in phone interviews to evaluate new services
- helping design projects and review cancer pathways
- our Patient and Public Involvement Steering Group
You might have other suggestions.
You do not need any qualifications and you can choose what, how, and when you would like to take part.
You can get involved as much or as little as you want to. Taking part is completely voluntary. You can decide what you would like to do and can stop at any time.
Yes. Our aim is to make your involvement as accessible as possible. This means we will provide you with support, including making sure you understand what it is you are being asked to do.
It could also mean providing information in accessible formats or translating them. It may be covering expenses, including costs of attending online or face to face meetings or childcare. If you need help to use technology we can also help.
Please contact us about how best to do this for you.
We have asked Involving People to support people who volunteer to be part of the Network. They will look after you on our behalf.
Involving People is part of a local voluntary sector organisation called Help and Care. Their aim is to improve health and care outcomes by involving patients and the public in the design, delivery and transformation of health services.
Though funded by Wessex Cancer Alliance, they act independently to advise and guide us on our public and patient involvement.
