The Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC) was pleased to attend the Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC) Minority Ethnic Communities Health Fair, joining more than 50 organisations from across Wales to connect with local communities and discuss health, wellbeing and research.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for the WCRC team to speak with people about cancer research, hear their hopes and priorities for the future, and explore how patients and the public can have a greater voice in shaping research. It was also a chance to make new connections with organisations working to improve health and wellbeing within minority ethnic communities.
WCRC was joined by two members of its Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team, Academic Lead Dr Pamela Smith and Lay Lead Molly Fenton, who helped to facilitate conversations and highlight the importance of involving diverse communities in cancer research.
Reflecting on the day, Molly Fenton said:
“My biggest takeaway from today is how important trust is. Community building, care and dedication. It can’t be skipped or falsified. And that’s a priority for me in this role over the next three years.”
Building trust and meaningful relationships with communities is essential to ensuring that cancer research is inclusive, relevant and reflective of the people it aims to benefit. Events such as the C3SC Health Fair are an important part of listening, learning and developing those relationships.
The WCRC would like to thank C3SC for organising a fantastic event, and Pamela and Molly for giving their time and helping to make the day such a success.