Published on 21 October 2026
A community health initiative raising awareness of cancer across Cheshire and Merseyside has been shortlisted for two awards.
The Community Partnerships programme at Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) is a finalist in the two regional awards, recognising its impact and its work with the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to shape and deliver cancer services.
In the Voluntary Sector North West Funding and Commissioning Awards, Community Partnerships has been nominated in recognition of the programme’s impact and the vital role of the VCFSE sector in cancer services. And the programme has been shortlisted in the Tackling Health Inequalities category of the North West Coast Research and Innovation Showcase Awards 2026.
Community Partnerships tackles health inequalities by working through trusted community organisations to improve cancer awareness, early diagnosis and uptake in screening. The programme has delivered over 200 community-led projects, generated almost 70,000 community interactions, and ensured 78% of activity took place in the most deprived areas, improving engagement with prevention, screening and healthcare services.
The double shortlisting is a welcome acknowledgement of the programme’s collaborative approach, including working with VCFSE groups across the region.
Steve Jones, who leads Community Partnerships as Senior Programme Manager at CMCA, said: “By combining measurable impact, genuine co-production and sustainable partnership working, Community Partnerships provides a proven blueprint for reducing inequalities at scale, improving access, experience and outcomes for those who need them most while creating a fairer and more inclusive health and care system.
“Many people across CMCA contribute to the success of Community Partnerships, alongside partners throughout Cheshire and Merseyside. These shortlistings are an opportunity to thank everyone whose commitment, expertise and collaboration make this work possible.
“Most importantly, these nominations reflect work undertaken with and for the people and communities of Cheshire and Merseyside. The programme remains focused on what matters most to people with cancer and those who care for them – improving access, reducing inequalities and achieving better outcomes for the population.”