The Voices of Our Community
This month, we've been proud to host a series of focus groups in London and via Zoom, to gather the thoughts, opinions, and stories of our community from across the UK.
This June, we've been proud to host a series of focus groups in London and via Zoom, to gather the thoughts, opinions, and stories of our community from across the UK. Around 40 people in their 20s and 30s, each diagnosed with different types of cancer and at various stages of their experiences, met to share their views.
Trekstock hosts focus groups to hear the voices of our community
This June, we've been proud to host a series of focus groups in London and via Zoom, to gather the thoughts, opinions, and stories of our community from across the UK.
Around 40 people in their 20s and 30s, each diagnosed with different types of cancer and at various stages of their experiences, met to share their views.
“There were no right or wrong answers or pressures to speak up, but a culture of openness, comfort and respect throughout.” Ellie, participant
The two hour sessions incorporated a lot of food for to help Trekstock design and develop our programmes with the needs of our community at the heart of everything we do.
One person who took part online was Max, treated for Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022 at 25, he says:
“It was great to have my voice heard in this space. I felt listened to and had many similar opinions as others on the call. Now looking forward to seeing how our input is actioned on.”
Breast cancer survivor Lizzi also came to the in-person session and explains: “I was honoured to help at the focus group because I believe it’s important to acknowledge a wide range of opinions from a diverse group of people when embarking on such work.
“The focus group was run very professionally, with sensitivity. The facilitator was brilliant, leading an insightful, wide-reaching conversation without judgement. I think speaking to individuals with lived experience of cancer is crucial to improving treatment and services that might help current and future patients. It was an added bonus to hear from other cancer survivors, whose stories were inspiring.”
And Trekstock’s very own Nat Woodward, who started as Community and Operations Coordinator earlier this summer, led a relaxing breathwork session experience to round off the day. The perfect way to unwind after discussing some difficult and challenging discussions at times, Natalie reflects:
'We’re always mindful that discussing cancer and personal experiences could be quite heavy or triggering, so we put in a breathwork and mindfulness session at the end of the focus group. This gives everyone chance to take a moment of calm and release any feelings of stress or anxiety, so they can leave feeling as if they’ve had chance to decompress.”
Thanks to Laura Dennison, an independent health psychologist with Vital Insights, who ran our sessions. She says: “Younger people living with cancer are often experts in their own condition, offering invaluable insights that can help shape more effective communication, services, and innovation. It’s a privilege to work with Trekstock to facilitate focus groups and listen to such a thoughtful, engaged community.
“My role now is to honour their contributions by drawing together the key themes around their perspectives, ideas, and priorities into a report that reflects the richness and diversity of what they’ve shared.”
As a thank you everyone who attended received a voucher and is able to follow up with us with further thoughts at any time.
Trekstock’s focus is on redefining life alongside cancer, helping people to rebuild their strength, rediscover their confidence and redefine life during and after cancer treatment.If you couldn’t make it to these focus groups but are interested in providing feedback or attending future events, please get in touch here.
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