As part of our Cancer Champion programme, we delivered training to officers within West Yorkshire Police in Calderdale District. The response was amazing — after the opportunity was shared internally, there was an overwhelming level of interest, with more volunteers than any similar initiative had previously attracted.
Fourteen officers completed the training, forming a strong cohort of Cancer Champions committed to promoting awareness across their teams.
Calderdale Cancer Champion Training
The session equipped officers with:
- Knowledge of key signs and symptoms
- Confidence to start supportive conversations
- Information on national screening programmes
- Practical resources and referral pathways through Champion packs
Feedback highlighted how empowering the training felt:
“Having done this training, I feel like I can actually do something now — more than just sympathise, I can actually help.”
This shift — from awareness to action — is exactly what the programme is designed to achieve.
Embedding Awareness into Everyday Practice
Rather than treating the training as a one-off event, officers have taken practical steps to ensure cancer awareness remains visible and embedded within their workplace culture.
Initiatives include:
- Introducing cancer awareness reminders on workplace computer screens
- Bringing information and updates into team meetings
- Hosting informal awareness events such as tea and cake mornings
- Exploring new ways to promote support services internally
Due to shift patterns, having a large cohort of Champions ensures that awareness activity can reach staff across all teams and working hours.
This approach demonstrates how health promotion can become part of everyday professional practice — not an additional burden, but a shared responsibility.
Partnership in Action
The collaboration continues to grow. Plans are underway to work closely together at community events across Halifax throughout the summer, extending cancer awareness beyond the workplace and into the wider community.
Some of our Champions have taken their training beyond their immediate roles, embedding their knowledge into wider community initiatives. A great example of this is the Calderdale College ‘Cuppa with a Copper Initiative’, where the skills and awareness gained through the programme are helping to create safe, supportive spaces for open conversations.
The commitment shown by West Yorkshire Police reflects a proactive approach to workforce wellbeing and community health, demonstrating how organisations can play a vital role in prevention and early detection.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a cancer champion, please email sarah.thorne@regen.org.uk
