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

Our offices will be closed from 20th December until 6th January. During this time, if you have any queries that can wait, please feel free to leave us a message/email, and we will get back to you as soon as we return to the office. If your concern is more urgent, you can reach out to the Macmillan Cancer Support by calling 0808 808 00 00 or using their online chat service to speak with an information and support advisor or a cancer information nurse specialist. The helpline is available 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm.  For any emergency medical attention, please contact 111 for non-urgent medical advice or 999 for emergencies. During this time of year, we hope you are able to find moments of comfort and support, and please know we’ll be here to assist you when we return in the new year. #CRTTogether #communitysupport

Join Us for a Festive Celebration at ‘Christmas at Cana’! 🎄✨ Get into the holiday spirit with us next Monday, 2nd December , at our ‘Christmas at Cana’ event ! Whether you're looking for a day of creative fun, a chance to try something new, or simply a warm and welcoming space, we've got you covered. Enjoy a variety of craft activities , course taster sessions , refreshments , and plenty of friendly advice and support to help you make the most of the festive season. This event is free of charge and open to everyone in the Penywaun and Upper Cynon areas . Doors open at 12:30pm , and the festivities run through to 6:30pm . We’ve planned a fantastic lineup of activities and can’t wait to welcome you all! 🎄 Activity Timetable 🎄 12:30pm – 2:00pm: Beauty Workshop 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Hessian Hearts 1:00pm – 5:15pm: Sugarcraft 3:15pm – 5:30pm: Mini Wreaths 3:00pm – 5:30pm: Digital Workshop 6:00pm – 6:30pm: Memorial Tree & Light Switch-On We’d love to see as many of you as possible join us for this special day. While the holiday season is magical for many, it can also be a challenging time for others. Let’s come together to share joy, connection, and creativity. Don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumper for an extra dose of festive cheer! 🎅🎁 📍 Find us at: Hwb Cana Gwladys Street, Penywaun, CF44 9DE 📞 For more details, give us a call at 01495 367680 . Let’s make this a day to remember – we look forward to celebrating with you!

Last week, we shared some photos from our visit to Abercynon, where we teamed up with our friends at Ray of Light to help make a positive impact at their new home. This week, we’re excited to take you a step closer with a new video showcasing the day in action! Supporting the local community is at the core of CRT’s mission, and this visit was no exception. As you’ll see in the video, it was a very busy day as we tackled a variety of tasks to enhance the facilities that Ray of Light provides to the people they support. From small fixes to larger jobs, each effort was a step toward making a real difference to the site. We hope you enjoy watching the video as much as we enjoyed making it happen. Thank you for being a part of our journey to support and uplift those that need it most.

The CRT team were out in the community recently supporting our friends at Ray of Light a remarkable cancer support group offering a wide range of assistance to those impacted by cancer. We were thrilled to bring in an enthusiastic group of volunteers from the CRT team and Welsh Water to Ray of Lights fantastic venue in Abercynon, to see how we could lend a hand and enhance the space. As part of our CRT Together initiative, collaboration is essential. In the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area alone, 3,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and no single organisation can support all those in need. That’s why partnerships like the one between CRT and Ray of Light are so valuable. Working together, we aim to serve the broader community in the most impactful way possible. We had a fantastic day spent outdoors, helping to improve Ray of Light’s facilities and they have also benefited financially from our partnership, as one of the recipients of the Breaking Barriers Fund , which funded the solar panels on their roof, helping them be energy efficient for years to come. The Ray of Light facility isn't your typical cancer support centre. It’s not just about quiet rooms and talking circles. It’s a vibrant place where people can engage in craft activities, participate in wellbeing sessions, or simply enjoy the fresh air. Ray of Light offers a refreshing and holistic approach to support, and we look forward to continuing our wonderful partnership with Sue and her team for many years to come. To find out more about Ray of Light visit their website at: www.rayoflightwales.org.uk