Big C Uses New Health Academy to Promote Education around Cancer

Big C has launched its own Health Academy as part of the organisation’s Education Division and in line with NHS Core20PLUS5 initiative.

The objective of the Big C Health Academy is to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and provide greater understanding of the disease across health professions and in the general community.

The new Health Academy ‘houses’ the charity’s team of education experts including health education officers, nutritionists and personal trainers, who run exercise and nutrition programmes designed for those affected by cancer, including ‘Get Moving’, ‘Nourish & Nurture’, Walking Football, Seated Pilates and Yoga.

Within the academy, Big C is running a series of health events across Great Yarmouth and Waveney in collaboration with Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board, to help people understand the signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of attending screening appointments, to support early diagnosis. The events are diverse in the types of venues and activities which are on offer.

Learn more about forthcoming Health Academy events

East Coast College will be among those benefitting from this free service, with a cancer awareness day on 30^th November, inviting students from both the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft campuses to come along and find out more.

Holly Chase, Assistant Principal at East Coast College, said: “Events such as these are extremely important for educating our students on the signs and symptoms to look out for in cancer and it will also equip them with knowledge to take back home and support family and friends too. We are delighted to be hosting the Big C Health Academy at our Great Yarmouth campus and know it will be a fantastic event for staff and students alike.”

Among the activities being offered will be Big C’s Big Bum; a giant inflatable walk-through exhibit showing the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, as well as fun activities on nutrition and a smoothie bike. There will be an opportunity to find out more about the importance of healthy eating, with low budget recipe demonstrations and a copy of Big C’s free cookbook ‘Essential Flavour’.

“We are delighted to be working with East Coast College on this event. It is a great opportunity for us to get out into the student community within the Great Yarmouth area and spread awareness around cancer. Thank you to the team at East Coast College for all their hard work in helping put the event on.”
Cath Watts, Nutritionist and Health Academy Lead

The Big C team will be on hand to talk through any concerns people may have, with a private space for individuals wanting 1:1 support. There will also be a variety of leaflets to take away with further information.

Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at Big C, said, “Although we are well known for our support and information services, people perhaps know less about our education programmes which we see as being equally vital to the work we do to help those affected by cancer in our community, now and in the future. We have ambitious plans for this element of our strategy and welcome interest from any corporate who would be interested in exploring funding of our activities.”