Your campaigning hub

#SmokefreeUK: Millions of lives are in their hands 

Smoking is still the biggest cause of cancer and preventable death in the UK. We’ve made progress, but the UK Government must do more to make the UK smokefree. It’s time we lose the tobacco and gain a better future.

The UK needs smokefree action to help make sure young people don’t start smoking, and smokefree funding to help people quit.

To make the UK smokefree, the UK Government must:
Stop the start. Create measures to prevent young people from smoking.
Start the stop. Fund public health campaigns and stop smoking services to help people quit smoking

Your Campaigning Actions

 

Sign and Share the #OneCancerVoice Petition

England is facing a cancer emergency with missed cancer waiting times, a growing cancer backlog and worsening cancer patient experience. To improve patient experience and outcomes, we need a fully-funded, ambitious and focused strategy for cancer in England. That's why Cancer Research UK is speaking up with over 60 cancer charities as a part of the coalition #OneCancerVoice to demand government action. Patients and their loved ones deserve more.

         

While this petition is England-focused, Ambassadors from all nations are invited to sign.

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Catch up on Policy Presents

Watch our most recent Policy Presents to learn more from our experts about policy and campaigning at Cancer Research UK and build your skills as an Ambassador.

 

Politics across the UK

Britain is home to one of the oldest governments in the world - the Palace of Westminster has been a centre of power for over 900 years. Visit the UK Parliament website and you'll learn that nobody set out to create Parliament. It developed naturally out of the daily political needs of the English King and his government. 

In the 21st century, how politics defines our lives depends on where we live. Find out more about politics in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland below.

This section is in development - for now please follow these links to learn more.

In Northern Ireland over 9,520 people are diagnosed with cancer each year – more than 26 people every day. Cancer survival is improving, with 56% of patients surviving for five years or more, however survival in Northern Ireland still lags behind other comparable countries around the world.

Health is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. This means decisions about health policy are made by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Assembly. That is why we work closely alongside the Executive, Assembly, Department of Health, Health and Social Care (HSC) Board, Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure cancer remains a priority in Northern Ireland.

Our Campaigns Ambassadors in Northern Ireland are a critical part of that effort as they influence MLAs and other government stakeholders to support policies that help beat cancer.

Follow @CRUK_NorthernIreland on Twitter

Cancer remains Scotland’s biggest killer. While notable progress has been made in improving survival rates, the incidence of cancer continues to grow. There are also major and persistent health inequalities in Scotland, with people from less well-off communities, for example, typically presenting later for treatment and dying earlier.

Health is a devolved matter in Scotland. This means decisions about health policy are made by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament. That is why we work closely alongside the Scottish Government and the 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), advising on cancer and research issues and campaigning for prevention measures and early detection services.

Our Campaigns Ambassadors in Scotland are a critical part of that effort as they influence MSPs and other government stakeholders to support policies that help beat cancer.

Follow @CRUKScotland on Twitter

 

Every year around 19,500 people in Wales are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to research, cancer survival in Wales is improving, with 58.5% of people surviving their cancer for five years or more. Yet there is still more to be done to accelerate progress so that 3 in 4 people survive their cancer by 2034.  

We work with MSs within the Senedd to keep cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care among Wales’ top public policy priorities. 

Our Campaigns Ambassadors in Wales are a critical part of that effort as they influence MSs to support policies that help beat cancer. That’s why we want to involve you in our Senedd Campaigns, to make sure cancer is a top priority for the Welsh Government.  

Follow @CRUKCymru on Twitter

Cancer Research UK connects with Ministers, Parliamentarians and Civil Servants in Westminster, as well as local decision makers across England to support them to address cancer in their communities.

Our policy experts, researchers and clinicians provide expert evidence to parliamentary committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups and public inquiries. They also help us frame responses to key government departments and other relevant public consultations.

We campaign nationally on policy issues to beat cancer through the NHS in England, from screening to early diagnosis and access to treatments. Through local government, we campaign to support the implementation of our national priorities on prevention, in particular on stop smoking services.

 

Keep learning...

How does Cancer Research UK campaign? We work with all our supporters, political representatives and policymakers to prioritise cancer over a range of areas including prevention, early diagnosis and treatments. Find out more about CRUK’s policy areas and messages.

How can I learn more about what is going on locally? Get to know your local cancer stats. Additionally, it helps to know what Cancer Research UK is doing in your area. Find out if there is a fundraising group, shop, Cancer Awareness Roadshow or Race for Life near you.

How can I more meaningful conversations with people about cancer? As a representative of Cancer Research UK, family, friends and the public might ask you questions about cancer. Learn more about how to have conversations about cancer via our free online course.

Ambassadors campaigning on an iPad

 

Developing yourself

Your personal reflection record is a helpful guide and place for you to log your objective, learnings, skills and achievements from your time volunteering.

Whether you've been campaigning with us for 10 years or 10 minutes, this pack was designed for you. Add to your skills builder pack directly from your device or print for a paper copy - it's up to you!

 

Researching

Researching policies and your political representatives is a key part of campaigning. Learn how to use online resources to personalise your asks and familiarise yourself with current affairs.
Level: Basic
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Social Media

Many Campaigns Ambassadors use social media to build support for our campaigns and publicise their actions. Access our guide to learn how to appeal to your online networks.
Level: Intermediate
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Meeting an MP

Campaigns Ambassadors frequently meet in person with their MPs to discuss the key points of our campaigns. Access our top tips guide to build confidence and prepare for your next meeting.
Level: Advanced
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Contact Us

campaigning@cancer.org.uk
 

 

Storytelling

Your story is your most powerful tool to influence policy! Explore our guidance to learn how to communicate why beating cancer is cause you are personally passionate about.
Level: Basic
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Petitions

Petitions are one of the many tools we use to let government know how the public feels about a certain issue. Learn more about to collect petition signatures and how to build support for our cause.
Level: Intermediate
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Public Speaking

There may be opportunities to tell your story and advocate for change in a public forum. Learn more about how to use your voice to educate and inspire audiences to act.
Level: Advanced
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Persuasion

Campaigns Ambassadors often write letters and emails to decision makers on various issues. Learn how to use your written voice to tell your story and convince others to act.
Level: Basic
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Email Campaigning

As a Campaigns Ambassador, you are a public advocate for policies that work to beat cancer once and for all. Learn how to advance your campaign goals by emailing your MP.
Level: Intermediate
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Relationship Building

The stronger your relationship with political representatives, the stronger your campaigning! Learn how to identify stakeholders and start connecting with those in government.
Level: Advanced
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Learn more by visiting the Cancer Research UK Volunteer Hub.

Not what you expected? Pause or end your role as a Campaigns Ambassador.