ACTION Cancer's Big Bus mobile unit is visiting Castlederg and Omagh in April, as part of its ongoing programme of visits around Northern Ireland.
The unit, which is the first of its kind in Europe, will be at Derg Valley Healthy Living Centre in Castlederg on Saturday April 21 and at the SuperValu store on Omagh's Market Street on Saturday April 28.
The 18 metre-long articulated vehicle with expanding side pods, houses cancer prevention, early detection and support services for men and women. The unit, whose main sponsor is retail group SuperValu and its independent retailers, was launched in 2006.
Services provided on the Big Bus include digital breast screening for women aged between 40 and 49 and over 65, health promotion and men's health checks. A support scheme called the Listening Ear Service and complementary therapies are offered to cancer patients, their carers and families onboard the unit, which is fully accessible for people with disabilities by means of a wheelchair lift.
Anyone interested in making an appointment for the Big Bus should telephone Action Cancer in advance on 028 9080 3344. Appointments will be available from 10am-4pm each day. Bookings are taken on a first come first served basis as there are a limited number of appointments for all services. A small number of walk-on appointments will also be available.
Action Cancer Head of Professional Services, Geraldine Kerr, explained why the public should take advantage of the service. "The Big Bus offers a comprehensive regional service for males and females of all ages right on their doorstep."
"Cancer detection and prevention are crucial with cancer rates set to increase by 54% in the next 20 years. The emotional support provided by services on the Big Bus will also help many people coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis themselves or deal with the devastating effects of a family member getting cancer."
As part of SuperValu's long-term commitment to Action Cancer's mobile cancer services, which they have sponsored since 2001, the independent retail group is funding over £600,000 towards the £1.5 million needed for the Big Bus in the first three years, including the annual running costs of £120,000. SuperValu stores throughout Northern Ireland host Big Bus visits and raise funds to keep the service moving.
SuperValu Brand Manager, Jackie McCloskey commented on SuperValu's support for the Big Bus; "SuperValu has been in partnership with Action Cancer for five years in support of the charity's mobile services, as a way of giving something back to the community in which our retailers' stores operate. We are extremely proud to be part of the Big Bus project and to help Action Cancer make an impact on the health and well-being of local communities throughout Northern Ireland for the long-term.'
The Big Bus targets areas in Northern Ireland where cancer risk is greatest and where uptake of screening services is low. It is travelling to 200 community groups and workplaces a year, spending a month at a time in each Health Board area.
Groups and companies wishing to make a booking for the Big Bus should telephone Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or use the dedicated email
bigbus@actioncancer.org
