About
Us
Our Story
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support launched CRT Together in March 2024, with a mission to make sure no one faces cancer alone. We were born out of the need to improve support for people in former coalfield communities within Cwm Taf Morgannwg, ensuring they have access to the support and services they need. Our programme is dedicated to enhancing cancer outcomes through practical and emotional support, rooted in the strength of our local communities.
Coalfields
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is dedicated to improving the lives of people in former mining communities. By providing funding, support, and development programmes, they work to regenerate these areas, bringing hope and opportunities back to communities that need them the most.
Game on Wales
Game On Wales is a dynamic programme dedicated to enhancing and empowering coalfield communities through the power of sport. The initiative focuses on fostering community spirit and well-being by offering and supporting a range of informal sporting activities that are easy to organise and accessible to everyone.
Beyond just providing sporting opportunities, Game On Wales also supports sports clubs to become more effective and visible within their communities. Through these initiatives, Game On Wales not only promotes physical activity but also strengthens community bonds and supports the sustainability of local sports clubs in coalfield areas.
Partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is committed to helping everyone with cancer live life as fully as possible. They aim to reduce inequality and improve access to cancer services for people in the most deprived communities. The CRT Together programme is a direct response to this vision, focusing on reaching marginalised populations within Wales' coalfield communities, such as those in Rhondda-Cynon-Taff, Merthyr Tydfil and the Bridgend Valleys, which fall under the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Why Macmillan Funded The Programme
- High Deprivation and Health Inequalities: Coalfield communities experience exceptionally low job density, high rates of people on out-of-work benefits, and a significant portion of the population living with long-term health issues. More than 42% of coalfield neighbourhoods are among the most deprived 30% in the UK. Macmillan recognises that individuals in these areas are at a higher risk of facing barriers to accessing cancer care, making this programme critical in reducing health disparities.
- Cancer Incidence in Deprived Areas: Communities in former mining regions report higher cancer incidence rates and lower life expectancy. By targeting these areas, particularly Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, the programme addresses urgent local needs and aims to improve cancer outcomes.
- Improving Access to Services: The programme ensures that cancer services are accessible to those who need them most, focusing on holistic, person centred care that addresses the social, emotional, and financial aspects of living with cancer.
- Scalable Impact: The model developed through this program is designed to be scalable, offering a framework that could be adapted to other coalfield communities and health board areas across Wales.
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