Spotlight: The Hangleton and Knoll Project

Can you tell us about your role as Senior Community Development Worker? 

"I really enjoy my work as Senior Community Development worker. Every day is different and busy! My role within the community development team is to lead on our health work - specifically coordinating the Act on Cancer Together project, coordinating health events and workshops in partnership with the West area primary care network, community and voluntary sector services, and local residents and community groups."

HKP host a variety of community events, covering subjects from healthy minds to prostate cancer awareness.

How do you identify which subjects are most important to the community?

“The community is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with residents to engage and consult with them to ascertain what their needs are and how these can be met. This collaboration is key in establishing priorities and is aligned to our organisational strategic plan.

“The West Area Health Forum and Community Health panel in particular provide a great opportunity for residents to share their views and experiences on local service provision and identify and action unmet need collaboratively. We regularly consult with our community and evaluate our activities. We also facilitate a wide range of opportunities for residents to have a voice in the development of services at local level.”

What difference do these in-person events make for local residents?

“The events we run are fantastic opportunities for residents to meet local services providers - this is invaluable in finding out about local services, improving access to those services and often benefiting from specific interventions - such as blood pressure monitoring and awareness sessions. Having lots of services in the same room at our health events means that people can receive support in a holistic, meaningful way and can break down the barriers to engaging with those services.”

In collaboration with Trust for Developing Communities & Macmillan Cancer Support, you deliver Act on Cancer Together (ACT).

Can you tell us about ACT and why it’s such a necessary resource?

“Act on Cancer Together aims to facilitate earlier diagnosis of cancer in the local population, and increase access to cancer support, particularly among groups facing health inequalities. The Hangleton and Knoll Project work with people in areas of deprivation in the west of the city.

“In Brighton & Hove, cancer has higher than expected mortality - driven by preventable risks and late diagnosis. Brighton & Hove has poor screening uptake – breast, bowel & cervical, which are below national averages. The ACT partnership aims to work with individuals and communities to understand and address barriers to attending screening appointments and raise awareness of cancer.

“By delivering this support, raising awareness and encouraging people diagnosed with cancer to access the Macmillan Horizon Centre, we are addressing these health inequalities and improving health outcomes for people.”

HKP aims to work with, and for, residents for a better, healthier community. What does healthy community mean to you?

"It is a place where people can reach their full potential both emotionally and physically. A positive, healthy community creates an environment where people are empowered and enabled to develop healthy behaviours and promote social connections. This is vital in preventing ill health, improving wellbeing, reducing isolation and reducing health inequalities.”

Can you share any partnerships or projects which you’re looking forward to in 2025?

"I am looking forward to developing my work with WellBN in contacting patients who haven’t responded to cancer screening invites. It is such important work and supporting patients to attend screening appointments is potentially lifesaving work - something that I am very proud to be involved in.”