A series of free community events are set to take place during February and March to help residents across Walsall increase their awareness of cancer.

The events will be hosted at Willenhall Chart Centre on Wednesday 21 February, Pelsall Community Centre on Wednesday 6 March and Bloxwich Active Living Centre on Friday 22 March, all from 10am to 2pm.

They have been organised jointly by Public Health Walsall and the Black Country Integrated Care System. Each event will raise awareness of cancer screening and support services available, how residents can reduce their risk and create opportunities for anyone affected by cancer to meet others, as well as getting support from clinical specialists, local providers and experts.

Free health and diabetes checks will also be offered at these events. Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces at Walsall Council, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Black Country ICS to deliver a number of free community events to help increase awareness about cancer. 

“All events are drop-in, and you will have the opportunity to talk to a range of NHS providers, independent organisations and charities about screening, how to spot signs and symptoms and prevent cancer, as well as getting support.

“The first event took place in January at Aaina Community Hub. We are looking forward to running another series of events in February and March and encourage residents to attend, even if it’s just to find out more and ask questions.”

Dr Salma Reehana, local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board added: 

“Early detection is the best form of defence against cancer and it’s vital that people know the signs and symptoms to look out for.

“That's why these events are so important. They give us the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with people who may not realise they are at risk, who may not recognise potential symptoms or may feel unable to act on them or are too fearful to.

“And remember, if you notice any unusual change in your body that will not go away or you have noticed something that could be a sign of cancer, please book an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible – they will want to see you.” 

In addition to the community events, a double-decker cancer bus run by the Black Country ICB will make a stop in Walsall Town Centre on Wednesday 28 February from 9:30am to 4pm.

Located on Park Street, the bus will offer information on cancer screening and general health and wellbeing advice to people in and around the town centre.