Big Bus welcomed by Wellbeing Group

In conjunction with Carrickfergus Action Cancer Group, the local authority employees supported the Mayor, Alderman Charles Johnston, in welcoming the charity’s mobile screening unit to Joymount.

“Through the working group, the council has committed to a comprehensive range of measures to help improve the health and wellbeing of staff and elected members,” a council statement explained.

“Sadly, cancer is an illness which has affected many within the organisation both directly and indirectly and, as a result, the visit of the Big Bus was particularly relevant to Carrickfergus Borough Council and it was heartening to see the resource so actively supported by employees and elected members alike.”

A range of services was provided on the bus on the day, including digital breast screening, health promotion and health checks for men and women.

Currently around 325,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year and, despite encouraging progress in many areas, the stark fact is that in the UK 160,000 die from this devastating illness every year.

Awareness and early detection are key factors in improving survival rates. Despite the incidence of breast cancer steadily increasing since the 1980s, a combination of heightened awareness and widespread national screening has led to a significant decrease in mortality rates.

If you would like an appointment on the Big Bus at a later date call 028 9080 3344 or book online (www.actioncancer.org). If you would like to support Carrickfergus Action Cancer Group contact [email protected]