Colleagues in Northampton have been recognised on the national stage after winning the Excellence in Community Partnerships award at the 7th Annual National B.A.M.E. Health & Care Awards 2026.

The award celebrates the success of the GPA Cancer Screening Awareness Project, which has worked closely with community organisations across Northamptonshire to raise awareness of cancer symptoms and encourage greater participation in life-saving screening programmes.

Chosen from an impressive field of 139 finalists and more than 300 submissions, the award recognises the project's outstanding contribution to reducing health inequalities and improving access to cancer information among underserved communities.

Through partnerships with funded community organisations, including cultural groups, faith organisations and local voluntary sector partners, the project has delivered a wide range of tailored engagement activities designed to reach people who may not otherwise engage with traditional healthcare services.

Activities have included community awareness sessions, wellbeing events, faith-based initiatives, coffee mornings and health promotion events. These trusted, locally delivered conversations have helped hundreds of people better understand cancer symptoms, the importance of screening, and when to seek help from a healthcare professional.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the sessions as informative, reassuring and confidence-building. The project has demonstrated how community-led approaches can break down barriers, build trust and empower people to make informed decisions about their health.

This national recognition highlights the important role partnerships play in tackling health inequalities and supporting earlier cancer diagnosis, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the GPA Cancer Screening Awareness Project. This well-deserved achievement reflects the dedication, passion and commitment of colleagues and community partners working together to make a real difference for local people.