Supporting people living with and beyond cancer
About the course
This 6-month programme combines virtual and face-to-face learning to equip health and social care professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support patients living with and beyond cancer — and their carers.
The course takes a practical, transferable approach: many of the skills you already use to support people with other long-term conditions apply directly to cancer care. You'll build on what you know, deepen your understanding of contemporary cancer care, and put your learning into practice through a real-world service improvement project in your own workplace.
You'll also gain a deeper understanding of your role within the multidisciplinary team, and how local services and resources can help you better support and signpost your patients.
Click here to download the course summary
Click here to download the 2026 course learning journey.
Why this course matters
With over 101,000 people living with and beyond cancer in Surrey and Sussex — and that number set to grow by 67% by 2030 — it has never been more important for health and social care professionals to understand the long-term impacts of cancer. This course gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a real difference for the people in your care.
What you'll learn
- The pathology, side effects, treatments and long-term effects of cancer
- The changing landscape of cancer care and why cancer is now classified as a long-term condition
- How other long-term conditions and their associated health needs can inform your approach to improving performance and patient care in cancer
- How to use cancer supportive frameworks and resources in practice to improve performance and patient care
- How to create and implement a quality improvement initiative in your area of practice to improve support for patients living with and beyond cancer
What you'll gain
Who is this course for?
This course is open to health and social care professionals across Surrey and Sussex who work with patients affected by cancer, including:
- Nurses
- Allied Health Professionals
- Healthcare Assistants
- Social Presecribers
- Paramedic Practitioners
- Care Coordinators
- Students (considered on application)
This course aligns with ACCEND levels and is suitable for professionals at the following stages:
⚠️ Before you apply, please note: You will need manager approval for all course dates, and you must be able to complete a workplace change or improvement project. The scope of this project is entirely at your discretion and can be tailored to your workload.
Meet the faculty
Interested in applying?
⚠️This course is free for Health and Social Care staff working within the Surrey and Sussex area. We also welcome prospective candidates from outside this region; however, a fee may apply.
If you have questions about the course, eligibility, or would like to discuss whether this programme is right for you or your team, get in touch: rsch.sscacancereducationteam@nhs.net
