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Health Academy

The Big C Health Academy aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and show the importance of early diagnosis. We promote the NHS Screening programmes, aiming to reduce the inequalities that people may face participating in the NHS screening process (Core20PLUS5).

A Big C staff member holding a sign saying 'I've had a cheeky look'

The Big Bum

We attend a range of local events and at some locations we’ll be bringing along Big C’s Big Bum – a giant inflatable walk-through exhibit showing the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Where space is restricted we’ll be showing a virtual video tour of the Big Bum instead.

Somebody preparing a delicious dish.

Wellbeing Activities

We host a range of wellbeing activities which are open to anyone affected by cancer in Norfolk and surrounding areas, including physical activities, nutrition, walking football, wellbeing days and fishing.

Somebody receiving therapy, holding the hand of the therapist.

Schools and Businesses

Big C can support your school or business.

If you’re interested in finding out how our Health Academy can support you, please get in touch by emailing us at support@big-c.co.uk.

Health Academy brochure

Download our brochure with information on cancer symptoms, screening details, keeping fit and healthy eating.

Brochure for the Health Academy

Find an event near you

Big C’s Health Academy attends a range of health events to help people understand the signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Everyone is very welcome to come along, talk to the team, learn more and take part in the activities on offer.

DateTimeVenueEvent information
12 September10am – 4pmFakenham Market, Market Place, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 9BGWoW Bus
The Wellness on Wheels Bus will join Big C at Fakenham Market. The Health Academy team will be providing information about the signs and symptoms of cancer, screenings and cancer prevention. The WoW bus will have other services onboard such as vaccines and career advice.
3 October10am – 4pmCharles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford, IP24 3LHInformation about the signs and symptoms of cancer, healthy eating activities, games and details on our Health Academy. Followed by a nutrition workshop.
4 October12 – 4pmThe Place, 48 King Street,
King’s Lynn,
Norfolk,
PE30 1HE
A wellbeing event at The Place in King’s Lynn, including exercise and nutrition.
10 October12 – 5pmThe Forum, Bethel St, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1BHDo Blue Day
Big C are joining Norfolk and Waveney Mind at their Do Blue Day at The Forum. We will be there to showcase our services and to provide information about the signs and symptoms of cancer.
7 November10am – 4pmCharles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford, IP24 3LHInformation about the signs and symptoms of cancer, healthy eating activities, games and details on our Health Academy. Followed by a nutrition workshop.
26 November1 – 5pmCromer Parish Hall, 65 Church St, Cromer NR27 9HHPositivi-Tea
An event bringing together available services for those living with long-term health conditions. We will be there providing information about cancer awareness and prevention, and to showcase our services.
5 December10am – 4pmCharles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford, IP24 3LHInformation about the signs and symptoms of cancer, healthy eating activities, games and details on our Health Academy. Followed by a nutrition workshop.

The Great Yarmouth and Waveney events are being supported by the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB).

“Big C has given me something to do outside the grey world of cancer and allowed me to mix with other people during the pandemic and reconnect with the world outside.”

GET MOVING participant

Meet our Health Academy team

Photo of Cath, Heath Academy Lead and Nutritionist

Cath

Heath Academy Lead and Nutritionist

Photo of Cath, Heath Academy Lead and Nutritionist

Cath

I am the Heath Academy Lead and Nutritionist at Big C, working with the Health Academy team and centre teams to deliver holistic support to those affected by cancer and to promote cancer awareness and prevention to the Norfolk community.

My areas of expertise include evidence-based nutrition and wellbeing. I am extremely passionate that everyone affected by cancer is supported to live well and that we are here to support in any way that we can.

Photo of Amy, Heath Academy Education Facilitator

Amy

Heath Academy Education Facilitator

Photo of Amy, Heath Academy Education Facilitator

Amy

I am a Heath Academy Education Facilitator at Big C and deliver the Get Moving physical activity programme. I strongly believe in the power of exercise and strive to make movement accessible to all.

I’m a cancer rehabilitation instructor and specialise in holistic wellbeing that is yoga and Pilates informed. I aim to offer people affected by cancer the opportunity to experience restorative movement.

Photo of Molly, Support and Information Officer for the Health Academy

Molly

Health Academy Support & Information Officer

Photo of Molly, Support and Information Officer for the Health Academy

Molly

I am the Support & Information Officer for the Health Academy at Big C. I work within the Health Academy team to provide support to those who are affected by cancer.

I am proud to be a part of the team and a charity that means so much to me; from being a service user as a teenager to a volunteer, to now working within the team. I hope I can use my experience to bring positivity and hope to others.

Close up of Michelle - King's Lynn Support Centre Lead

Michelle

Health Academy Educational Facilitator

Close up of Michelle - King's Lynn Support Centre Lead

Michelle

I am a Health Academy Educational Facilitator. I started with Big C in November 2021 and looked after the day to day running of the Support Centre in King’s Lynn until mid-2024, when I joined the Health Academy team.

Before joining Big C, I had been volunteering at a local Hospice in Chichester and enjoyed being able to support patients and their families. When I knew I was moving to Norfolk, I started looking to see if there was anything similar and saw the position with Big C advertised and applied. It is a privilege to work for the charity.

Find a support centre near you

Find a support centre near you

Our Big C Centres at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, in Norwich city centre, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn are open Monday to Friday 9am – 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays).

Find the support that’s right for you

Our wide range of Big C support groups provide you with the opportunity to meet other people who are going through similar experiences, to share stories and support one another.

A photo of two people chatting in the Big C support centre.

How to book your support

Call

Call us on 0800 092 7640 to chat to our support team (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, excluding bank holidays).

Email

Email us on support@big-c.co.uk letting us know your contact details and we’ll be in touch.

Speak to your GP

Have a chat with your GP or healthcare team who will be able to get in touch with us on your behalf.

We’ve helped people like Louise

Following a routine mammogram screening, Louise was told that a lump was found in her breast, resulting in a breast cancer diagnosis in August 2019. This is her story…

Photo of Louise Prentice sitting in a chair receiving treatment

Browse

We can help you work through the maze of cancer information.

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Let’s keep in touch

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