On Friday 22 May, Hunts Community Cancer Network welcomed stakeholders from across the organisation to our first stakeholder engagement meeting, held online via Google Meet.
The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders from across HCCN’s community to hear updates on the charity’s work, future plans and strategic direction.
The presentation shared during the meeting outlined both the growing need for cancer support services across Huntingdonshire and the charity’s continued commitment to supporting adults 18+ living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire through evidence-based wellbeing support and services.
Reflecting on Growth and Community Impact
Opening the meeting, Chair of Trustees Jan reflected on the significant growth HCCN has experienced in recent years, alongside the increasing awareness of the charity across Huntingdonshire.
A major part of the opening remarks focused on recognising the contribution of Sarah, who will be leaving her role as Operations Manager next month after helping lead a period of significant growth and transformation for the charity.
Since joining HCCN in January 2024, Sarah has helped grow the number of people supported by the charity from around 350 to more than 770, more than doubling HCCN’s reach across the district. During this time, HCCN expanded community support groups into St Ives, St Neots, Sawtry and Ramsey, while Get Active One Leisure sessions grew from two to six weekly classes across Huntingdonshire.
The meeting also heard how Sarah helped embed HCCN’s “Move, Mood, Food” ethos into the charity’s activities, led the move from Bradbury House to the Lady Olivia Centre and played a key role in increasing fundraising income from approximately £25,000 to £105,000 over two years.
Speaking during the meeting, Jan described Sarah’s passion and commitment to the charity as “relentless enthusiasm”, recognising the countless hours spent supporting fundraising events, community engagement and awareness raising across the district.
“I will deeply miss her support, friendship and drive.” Jan shared during the presentation.
The meeting also welcomed Sallie Crawley as Interim Operations Manager, with Jan thanking her for stepping into the role and helping provide continuity and support during this next chapter for the charity.
Jan also recognised the contribution of HCCN’s activity leaders and volunteers, describing them as “the face of the charity to so many hundreds of people” as they support individuals navigating their cancer journey.
Welcoming Sallie Crawley as Interim Operations Manager
We are pleased to share that Sallie Crawley has stepped in as Interim Operations Manager for HCCN. Many of you will already know her from her time as a Trustee or from her role as Programme Manager as we emerged from the COVID lockdown. Alongside her long history with HCCN, she brings 17 years of experience with the RSPB in volunteer management and currently supports people through the emotional side of recovery after a cardiac event. Her personal journey, including breast cancer in 2016 and lung cancer in 2025, gives her a deep understanding of the challenges our community faces and a genuine commitment to compassionate, person-centred support.
She brings a collaborative, people-focused working style and is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported. In this interim period, her key priority will be recruiting a Fundraising Manager to help us grow our income so we can expand the services we offer. For those who don’t yet know her, she’s also a lover of coffee, cats, and cooking and we know you’ll find her warm, approachable, and easy to work with. We are confident she will help guide HCCN forward with steadiness, empathy, and a clear focus on the needs of our community.
Supporting People Through a Personalised Approach
Attendees heard updates on HCCN’s developing Pathway approach, designed to create a more connected and personal experience for people accessing support.
This includes personal phone calls to individuals before they attend sessions, helping people feel welcomed, informed and reassured before joining activities or support groups.
HCCN also shared plans for a new booking system, which will help streamline administration, reduce bottlenecks and improve the overall experience for users. Further information about these changes will be communicated as the system moves closer to launch.
The charity also spoke openly about initial investigations into introducing a small membership-style charge in the future. It was emphasised that no changes are expected for at least six months and any future approach would be carefully communicated and implemented gradually.
A Strategy Focused on Move, Mood and Food
A major focus of the meeting was HCCN’s new strategic direction for 2026-2029, centred around three interconnected pillars:
Move – Supporting physical strength, rehabilitation and recovery through exercise and movement programmes.
Mood – Supporting emotional wellbeing through counselling, complementary therapies and peer support.
Food – Supporting healthy nutrition and lifestyle education during and after treatment.
The strategy is grounded in growing national evidence around the role physical activity, emotional wellbeing and healthy lifestyles play in improving outcomes and quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer.
Alongside these priorities, HCCN reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Hunts Community Cancer Nursing Team and continuing to provide practical support that complements NHS cancer care.
The charity also shared its values, including compassion, dignity, evidence-based practice, partnership working and responsible use of resources.
Stakeholder Engagement and Looking Ahead
As part of the session, stakeholders were invited to contribute feedback, ideas and questions to help shape the charity’s future direction.
Discussions highlighted the importance of community connection, safe spaces and supportive relationships for people affected by cancer, while also exploring how HCCN can continue helping individuals rebuild confidence and move forward following treatment.
Stakeholders were also encouraged to continue sharing feedback and suggestions through HCCN’s stakeholder feedback form, which remains open for anyone who would still like to contribute their views, including those unable to attend the meeting live.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of HCCN membership, which is open to anyone over the age of 18 who supports the charity’s mission and values. Members play an important role in helping shape the charity’s future, including voting at the AGM and holding the Board of Trustees to account. To find out more about our members, please visit the page here.
Become a Member of HCCN
HCCN membership is open to anyone over 18 who wants to support our mission. As a member, you’ll help shape the future of the charity and support adults living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire.
Join our membership community »Thank You
We would like to thank everyone who attended the Stakeholder Meeting and contributed their time, feedback and support.
The discussions reflected the compassion, honesty and shared commitment that continue to shape HCCN’s work across Huntingdonshire.
Together, we remain focused on ensuring that adults living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire can access the support, connection and wellbeing services they need to live as well as possible.
