Working with Voices is the most meaningful part of my job

I’m a mum of 2 little girls and live in Sheffield. I love reading, walking and music. I’ve worked at Breast Cancer Now for around 8 years, across our services, volunteering and strategy teams. I’ve loved being part of so many areas of such an incredible organisation. I’ve met so many brilliant Voices and volunteers, and they continue to motivate me every day. 

Like many people, I know several people who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I sadly lost a close friend to it. It’s shocking that nearly 1 million people are living with or beyond breast cancer. I feel privileged to be part of a team working towards a future where everyone with breast cancer will live and live well.

A bit of everything. It sounds cliché, but no 2 days are the same. Over the last 18 months, my biggest focus has been supporting our new strategy, Change Happens Now which sets out Breast Cancer Now’s 5 year plan. This work first involved understanding the gaps and unmet needs of people affected by breast cancer through things like focus groups and the Big Breast Cancer Survey. 

From there, it’s been about bringing people together to tackle the biggest challenges. Trustees, staff, Voices, healthcare professionals and researchers. So many great minds have come together to agree on what we need to deliver, to make the biggest change we can.  

Now, my focus is on turning the strategy into reality. This year I’ve been working closely on 5 major projects shaped by what people have told us matters most. These include helping people better understand the signs and symptoms of recurrence and metastatic breast cancer, improving our visibility in healthcare settings, and using technology to support even more people. 

The moments that mean the most are when we’re in a room together with Voices and staff, talking through a big issue. Our recent in-person workshops have been brilliant. Hearing different perspectives, having healthy debate and then reaching a consensus on a shared way forward is so motivating. In the space of a few hours, we can go through serious discussion, to tears, and even laughter. It’s exactly how this work should be done. 

There are always so many things we could do. The hardest part is choosing where to focus. I’m always struck by how much thought and care people put into making the best decisions. But it’s not always easy. 

It’s a no-brainer. We exist for people affected by breast cancer, so we must work with them to understand their needs. But it’s not always simple. Everyone’s experience is unique. That’s why meaningful involvement is so important. We need to hear a wide range of voices, and everyone will have their own view on what matters most. 

Breast Cancer Voices is brilliant because you can choose the level of involvement that works for you. You might take part in the occasional survey, or you might join a longer project. There are so many options, and there’s never any pressure. 

We are so grateful for everything people contribute. Many opportunities are voluntary, which makes it an even bigger gift. Not just to us, but to everyone who will come after you. I’m honestly in awe.