A cancer charity has launched a project to reach out to Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in Cumbria.

Macmillian launched its 'Don’t face it alone video' this week to achieve this.

Working closely with Midlands-based company, Rural Media, Macmillan wanted the video to be an initial piece of work to find out more about these communities.

Claire Knight, Strategic Engagement Manager for Macmillan, said: “Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are known to face some of the most severe health inequalities amongst the UK population.

"Many struggle to access healthcare which means health issues often get dealt with when they become urgent.

"Taking a prevention approach, which is informed by a cultural and social awareness, of people in these communities means health outcomes can be dramatically improved.

“This video gave us insights about these communities and we now hope the video will encourage people from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities to get early help and to talk to professionals, family and friends about their experience and also understand the barriers to getting help.”

The video was created after conversations and interviews with people in the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities who gave key insights about cancer, highlighted key areas of knowledge and access to services and gave recommendations for further work by Macmillan.
Those interviewed were across a range of ages and were able to give information where they had both negative and positive experiences of cancer services.

Romany Gypsy Lena McAllister, from Carlisle, hopes the video will encourage friends and family to get more support earlier: “If you’re ill or you feel like something’s wrong, go to the doctor.

"The faster you find out things, the faster you can get treatment, try not to bury your head in the sand."

Anyone affected by these issues can contact Macmillan every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at 0808 808 00 00, or their website which is reachable by clicking here.