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The Greater Manchester People and Communities Cancer Conference

On 24 June 2026, the Greater Manchester People and Communities Cancer Conference took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly.

This event was open to patients, the wider public and the VCFSE sector (Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise).

The agenda focussed around three key themes including helping our communities “get cancer clever”, cancer care closer to home, and living well with and beyond cancer.

Attendees heard from patients, community leaders, and NHS staff – all focussed on improving cancer care and outcomes for future patients and their families. There were opportunities to ask questions, network, and learn more about becoming involved.

Carole smiling with hands pointing to their temple at the People and Communities Conference joining in the chair yoga activity

Our First Greater Manchester People and Communities Cancer Conference

Read Carole’s reflections on our first Greater Manchester People and Communities Cancer Conference, where patients, communities and professionals came together to share experiences, build connections and help shape the future of cancer care across Greater Manchester.

Image gallery

Rebecca, Ellen and Pippa from the GM Cancer Alliance team stands smiling next to a banner for the Alliance. A table with papers and pens is in front of them. The setting appears to be a modern conference or event space.
A group of people are seated around tables in a cosy conference break area with a mix of brown chairs and sofas. Several people are engaged in conversation, while others are seated alone. A flat-screen TV on the brick wall displays a news program, and the counter at the back has coffee machines and pastries. The atmosphere appears lively and social.
A group of people sitting in a conference room are engaged in an interactive session led by a member of the Prehab4Cancer team at the front. The audience is mimicking actions, appearing attentive and involved. The room features a modern design with framed art on the walls and a TV screen in the back.
A group of people sitting in a conference room, smiling. One person in the foreground wears a bright orange outfit and a matching beret.
A person in a colourful shirt speaks into a microphone at a conference. The audience is seated, listening attentively. A screen displays a presentation titled "Future of Cancer Care in Greater Manchester.
Joelle from Peaches Womb Cancer Trust holding a microphone speaking to the audience at a conference.
A person holds up a leaflet to show the delegates sitting in a conference setting. The room has a QR code poster on the wall.
A diverse group of people seated in rows, attentively listening and applauding during a presentation at a conference
Lady holding a microphone with one hand and other hand on her chest speaking with a smile to a conference room of delegates.
Ehinor Otaigbe from Wonderfully Made Woman speaking into a microphone at the People and Communities Conference
A group of people are seated in a semi-circle in a conference room, engaged in a discussion. Two individuals are standing at the front near a screen displaying "Q&A" with an icon. The room has neutral-coloured walls and curtains.
A group of people are having a conversation at an event. They are standing near a table with informational materials. In the background, there are banners for "Citizens Advice SORT" and "Cancer Care.
The image shows an individual standing beside a banner for the Citizens Advice SORT, Macmillan Benefits Advice Service. The banner includes contact information and a QR code. The person is wearing a name badge and an identification lanyard.
Three individuals are smiling in front of promotional banners for “Wonderfully Made Woman.” They are standing closely together in a room. The person on the left is wearing a yellow patterned outfit, the middle individual is dressed in a white top and blue pants, and the person on the right has a green shirt. The background features other branded materials and a doorway.
A group of people are gathered around an informational table at an event. There are brochures and materials related to cancer awareness on the table. The setting appears to be indoors, and there is a framed black and white photo of a building on the wall in the background. One person is speaking animatedly, gesturing with their hands.
Joelle from Peaches Womb Cancer Charity speaking with a delegate at the conference holding a booklet. Joelle is pointing to information in the booklet and talking.
Group of people networking in the conference break with a focus on Ehinor Otaigbe from Wonderfully Made Woman laughing in the conversation
Julie Flaherty delivering the patient and carer perspective behind a podium at a conference
A group of attendees taking part in a guided laughter therapy session with focus on a woman in a polka dot top
Close up of Patrick Fahy a patient representative sat in the audience participating in chair yoga with his hands on his temple smiling
Carole smiling with hands pointing to their temple at the People and Communities Conference joining in the chair yoga activity
A group of attendees taking part in a guided chair yoga session all smiling with hands on their head. The image is focused on a woman in a blue top wearing a health watch
A group of attendees laughing and smiling engaged in a session at a conference with focus on a male in a white shirt
Delegates sat at a conference laughing with the focus on Joelle Morgan from Peaches Womb Cancer Charity wearing a floral red dress smiling in her seat
Close up of Maria a patient representative sat in the audience of a conference smiling wearing a white top and purple glasses
Delegates at the conference seated and joining in on a post break pick me up 'Laughter yoga therapy with Caroline Jone' with enthusiastic laughing expressions on faces
A woman smiling while listening to a speaker during a conference session.
Close up of Nic Clews a patient representative sat in the audience of a conference smiling
Close up of a woman smiling out loud at a conference with other delegates in the background laughing too
Two people are sitting and smiling. The person in the foreground is wearing glasses and a light blue shirt, and has a medical device on their neck
Close up of Tejiri Urhobo a patient representative sat in the audience of a conference smiling
Delegates at the conference seated and joining in on a laughter yoga therapy session with arms up in the air and enthusiastic expressions on faces
Rebecca from the Greater Manchester Cancer Voices Community team wearing a NHS lanyard sat down at the conference smiling
Caroline Jone stood at the front with arms in the air as she facilitates a laughter yoga session with the backs of delegates heads all sat joining in on the session
Close up of Caroline Jones smiling at delegates after finishing a laughter yoga therapy session
Julie stood at the front presenting at a conference behind a podium wearing a pink top and glasses
Laura Urhobo in a pink waistcoat stood up behind a podium speaking at a conference to a room full of delegates
Close up of Sophie Bates standing at the front presenting at a conference wearing an orange dress and blue lanyard
A group of people seated in rows is listening to a presentation in a conference room Sophie Bates stands at a podium beside a screen displaying a slide about "Cancer and mental health." The room has white walls, grey curtains, and a projector mounted on the ceiling.
Close up of Tom Thornber stood behind a podium smiling at delegates
Tom Thornber stood presenting at the front of a conference behind a podium with hands on his hips addressing a room full of delegates about support in the workforce
Clare Garnsey stood presenting behind a podium at a conference with a laptop in front of her and hands together smiling at the audience
Close up of Tom Thornber sat on a Q&A panel smiling
Close up of Laura Urhobo sat on a panel holding a microphone answering questions from the audience on a Q&A panel
Naomi the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Manager stood at the front of a conference room presenting behind a podium
Hannah Stirzaker is speaking at a podium in a conference room while an audience listens. A large screen displays "Cancer and Complications Network" content.
A group of people smiling in a bright indoor space with large windows.
A group of people enthusiastically pose together, smiling and raising their arms, in a bright indoor space with large windows.