Practical help and genuine care close to home. Two local people share how CRT Together’s Link Workers make a tangible difference.

Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil has been able to open the doors to a brand-new hair salon thanks to support from the Breaking Barriers Fund – a project designed to help community organisations test new ideas and expand their reach. The salon, based at Cancer Aid’s centre in Dowlais, provides a unique and much-needed service: free, one-to-one hair appointments for anyone affected by cancer. From wig fittings and restyling, to specialist advice on hair loss and scalp care, the salon offers a calm, private space where people can feel comfortable and supported. During the summer holidays, the team even ran a series of back-to-school haircuts for children – with every appointment helping to fund the continuation of one-to-one salon sessions for patients. “It’s not just about hair – it’s about confidence, dignity and wellbeing,” explains stylist Donna, who runs the service. “For many people, cancer treatment changes the way they feel about themselves. We want to help them feel more like ‘them’ again.” A Service for Patients – and the Wider Community All cancer-related salon services are completely free of charge for registered patients, but the team is also opening its doors through fundraising clinics. These work exactly like a regular salon appointment, with the same calm, quiet environment – but with the added benefit that proceeds go directly back into supporting Cancer Aid’s services. Appointments are available every Thursday, offering: Dry cuts Wash & blow dry Cut & blow dry Hair up / styling Men’s barbering services Wig support (fitting, cutting, washing) Hair, hair loss and scalp care advice Importantly, the salon does not offer chemical treatments such as colours or perms – keeping the focus on wellbeing, confidence, and practical support. 

Thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Breaking Barriers Fund, sessions in Maesteg are now helping local people affected by cancer access gentle, supportive, and empowering exercise through their local parkrun. The group is aimed at those undergoing treatment, survivors, family members, and even local healthcare professionals. The importance of staying active after a cancer diagnosis is well established. Regular, gentle exercise has been shown to reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve physical strength and mobility, and boost overall wellbeing. MOVE Against Cancer’s 5K Your Way programme brings this to life in a friendly, welcoming way that breaks down barriers to participation – especially vital in areas like Maesteg, which faces some of the highest cancer inequalities in Wales. Michelle, one of the Maesteg group’s volunteer ambassadors, shares her story: “I’ve been an active participant at parkrun for more than 10 years. I have complex health conditions, and last year I was also diagnosed with cancer. Attending parkrun has always been an important part of my self-management, so I was delighted to be asked to volunteer as an ambassador for 5K Your Way. I find volunteering extremely rewarding – walking and talking with many participants, including those affected by cancer. Parkrun is far more than a 5K run or walk – it’s social contact, being part of a community, being outdoors in the fresh air. Cancer and chronic health conditions can be very isolating. Isolation can quickly lead to a loss in confidence and increased anxiety. 5K Your Way supports people to take that first step back into community life, and I look forward to each session – it gives me real satisfaction to know that my presence might be helping others.” What’s next? The Maesteg group runs on the last Saturday of each month at the Maesteg Welfare Park parkrun, and is open to anyone affected by cancer. Whether you want to run, walk, or simply come along for a cuppa and chat – you’ll be warmly welcomed. Follow the group's Facebook page here to keep up to date.

Last month, we brought people together from across South Wales for our CRT Together Annual Celebration Event — a heartwarming day filled with inspiration, community spirit, and stories of real impact. This event wasn’t just about looking back — although we’ve got a lot to be proud of! It was a chance to reflect on a powerful year of work supporting people affected by cancer across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area. We heard moving stories from some of the individuals we've supported, reminding us exactly why this work matters. Each voice highlighted the importance of human connection, personalised support, and having someone in your corner when it’s needed most. We were also joined by health professionals, volunteers, partners, and community groups who have been a key part of our journey so far — and who continue to help us grow stronger together. Here's a video capturing a year of impact within our communities:

Our Partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support At CRT, we are proud to be funded by Macmillan Cancer Support , an organisation dedicated to ensuring that everyone affected by cancer receives the help they need. As our programme continues to grow, we are reaching more individuals and families across our communities, many of whom face significant barriers when trying to access essential cancer support services. Our mission is to bridge this gap, whether it's practical assistance, financial guidance, or emotional support, we want to ensure that people in these communities know we are here to help. By working together, we can connect individuals with the vital services often already available to them, making it easier for people with cancer and their loved ones to cope without unnecessary stress or isolation. Why Macmillan has funded this project Macmillan Cancer Support chose to partner with our programme because they recognise the severe health inequalities that exist in South Wales, particularly in former mining communities. The statistics speak for themselves: Cancer incidence rates are significantly higher in these regions. Life expectancy is lower compared to the national average. Many individuals in these areas face multiple barriers when trying to access healthcare, support, and financial aid. Macmillan shares our commitment to reducing these disparities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the cancer care they deserve. Through this partnership, we are actively working to break down obstacles, provide direct support, and create a stronger, more informed community that knows where to turn for help.  Macmillan highlights our partnership Recently, Jenny Savage, Digital Content Editor at Macmillan , wrote an article about our partnership, highlighting why this collaboration is so important in the effort to ensure that "Nobody Should Face Cancer Alone" across Wales and the wider UK. Her piece sheds light on th e unique challenges faced by individuals in our communities and how our joint efforts are h elping to provide much-needed support. 🔗 Read the full article here We are incredibly grateful for Macmillan’s continued support and look forward to expanding our impact even further in the months ahead. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we are here for you. Together, we will make a difference. 💚

An article on a recent report from Cancer in the UK 2025: Socioeconomic Deprivation has revealed alarming statistics: cancer death rates are nearly 50% higher for people living in the most deprived areas of Wales compared to the least deprived areas. This translates to around four additional deaths every day – a stark reality that underscores the need for urgent support

Help Shape the Future of Lung Cancer Screening in Wales Public Health Wales is working on plans to introduce a new lung cancer screening programme in Wales, and they want to hear from you! If you: Live in Wales Are aged between 50 and 75 Are a current or former tobacco smoker ...then your input is invaluable. By completing this short survey, you can share your views and experiences to help shape how this life-saving programme is developed. The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete, and your feedback will directly contribute to improving early detection and treatment of lung cancer in Wales. Your Voice Matters - Let Us Hear it Your answers will be stored anonymously. This means Public Health Wales will not ask your name, and you will not be identified. By sharing your views, you can help shape this new service. Click the link below to take the survey. Thank you for your support. Lung Cancer Screening Survey

Feeling Tired All the Time? Let’s Talk About It!  We’re thrilled to be partnering with Maggie's Cardiff to offer a special Fatigue Workshop for those affected by cancer. So, if you or someone you know is struggling and could benefit from some practical tips from people that Struggling with exhaustion, no matter how much rest you get? Want practical tips to feel more energised and in control? Join us for this empowering session where we’ll explore tools and strategies to manage fatigue and improve your daily life. Date: 16th January Time: 1pm Location: Hwb Cana, Penywaun, Aberdare This workshop is free, and it’s all about you! Spaces are limited, so sign up by clicking the link below. SIGN UP HERE Share this post to help someone in need! #CRTTogether #NobodyShouldFaceCancerAlone #cancersupport