Nourishing Norfolk: Healthier Communities with Big C Cancer Charity
The Big C Cancer Charity are working with Nourishing Norfolk Hubs to build healtheir communities through food
The University of East Anglia’s recent independent evaluation confirmed that Nourishing Norfolk food hubs are helping people not only save money, but also eat better, feel better, and live with more confidence. Researchers Dr Sarah Hanson and Anna Sweeting identified that food hubs are “unique points of connection” with amazing potential to “meet people’s wider health and wellbeing needs”. Big C will also be showcasing their health prevention activities, raising awareness of topics like screening and early intervention.
Building on this, we’re delighted to be working with Big C, who have been bringing health and nutrition expertise directly into our food hubs. Registered Nutritionist Andrea Carroll Langan and Health Academy Support and Information Officer Molly Driver have been visiting hubs to share advice, answer questions, and run interactive sessions on diet, wellbeing and cancer prevention. The first workshops took place at the Social Moments Shop in Rackheath and Sally’s Store in Great Yarmouth, with more planned across the county.
Why is this important?
Andrea Carroll Langan explains:
“I’ll be piloting a mix of informal Q&A sessions and workshops, tailored to each hub. The aim is to make up-to-date nutrition and wellbeing information accessible in a friendly setting, bust some myths, and encourage small, achievable changes. By using foods already available in the social supermarkets, we can keep it practical, affordable and relevant. It’s all about helping people find simple ways to nourish themselves and their families for the future.”
Billie Lawler, who leads the Nourishing Norfolk Network, sees this as a natural extension of the programme:
“The UEA evaluation showed that our hubs are not just tackling food insecurity, they are supporting people’s health in really practical ways. Families told researchers that they were eating more fruit and vegetables, that they had more energy, and that their children were eating better. By working with partners like Big C, we can build on that foundation and bring expert support right into trusted local spaces where people already feel comfortable.”
What difference will it make?
The impact has been felt straight away by food hub members, who were able to learn more from the Big C team while they did their shopping.
Debbie Jackson at Social Moments explained how her shoppers responded to the session: “We were thrilled to welcome Andrea and Molly for an informal Q&A session with our members. The atmosphere was casual, making it a fantastic opportunity for members to ask real-life questions and receive expert guidance.”
Meanwhile, Katherine Gethin at Sally’s Store said: “Andrea put together a selection of our available produce and tinned goods and assisted customers with their questions regarding blood sugar, managing specific dietary needs and looking for ideas to help their neurodiverse children try different foods. The Salvation Army are glad to be able to work with other organisations offering wrap around care to Sally’s Store members”.
This partnership shows exactly what makes Nourishing Norfolk unique. Food is the starting point, but from there, hubs can open the door to healthier, happier and more connected lives. The Big C will soon be visiting North Lynn Food Hub and Dereham Food Cabin to pilot similar session, with the hope of rolling out further sessions in the future.
As a local cancer charity, Big C supports anyone affected by cancer in Norfolk, whether that is someone with a cancer diagnosis or their loved ones. All Big C services are free of charge, including counselling, complementary therapies, group support, welfare and benefits advice and bereavement care.
The Big C Health Academy aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and show the importance of early diagnosis. They promote the NHS Screening programmes, aiming to reduce the inequalities that people may face participating in the NHS screening process. They host a range of wellbeing activities which are open to anyone affected by cancer in Norfolk and surrounding areas, including physical activities, nutrition, walking football, wellbeing days and fishing.
