Community Capacity Building Component

Summary of approved projects 2001/2002 - 2002/2003

The following projects have been approved under the community capacity building component of CBCI during 2001/2002 - 2002/2003.

National Networking Project Part IV & V

The project sponsor, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN), is a survivor-directed national network of organizations and individuals, whose mission is to provide a link between all groups and individuals concerned about breast cancer and to represent the concerns of all Canadians affected by breast cancer and those at risk. The CBCN has 161 member groups, including breast cancer support groups and advocacy and affiliated groups across Canada, and hundreds of individual members, advisors and supporters representing local support groups, the medical and research community, regional networks, and provincial and national organizations.

Over 50 local, regional, national and international organizations have committed to work in partnership with the CBCN on this project.

The primary goal of this project, Parts IV/V, of a five-year National Networking Project, is to develop recommendations leading to National Strategies addressing the needs of young/rural women with breast cancer and/or a family history of breast cancer, and leading to an extension of programs for young/rural women, with breast cancer, and to develop partnerships that connect the CBCN with a wider diversity of people affected by breast cancer. The objectives are to conduct regional consultations to develop the national strategy to reach rural/young women with breast cancer and to extend information, programs and services to them; to develop new partnerships and new breast cancer resources; to offer community capacity building workshops; and to collaborate in the identification of successful strategies used in two teleconferencing projects in order to develop criteria for effective teleconference programs.

The main outcomes of the project include: the development of recommendations leading to a National Strategy to address the needs of young/rural women with breast cancer and/or with a family history of breast cancer; the development of a National Strategy to improve the access to services and health of rural women living with breast cancer; increased capacity in the breast cancer community; increased linkage between groups; improved representation of under-served groups; addition of new partners and members; and enhanced organizational sustainability.

Building Upon Success: Community Contacts in the Newfoundland and Labrador Breast Cancer Fellowship

The Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland is the sponsor of this project. The Faculty has a mandate to conduct research and training in the health sciences in Newfoundland and Labrador, and has taken an active role in community capacity building activities in the area of breast cancer for several years.

Partners in the project include the Canadian Cancer Society - Newfoundland and Labrador Division, the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, the Breast Screening Program for Newfoundland and Labrador, Health & Community Services, the Health Care Corporation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, the Women's Institutes, Status of Women Councils and representatives of both physicians and surgeons and women living with breast cancer in this province. This project represents the shared concerns and goals of partnership members.

The first goal of the project is to expand the Community Contacts Program from the 4 pilot regions established through CCB funding last year, to a province-wide program over the next two years. This program was originally developed by Breast Cancer InfoLink in Alberta and revised for use in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a community-based initiative, ideally suited for rural and aboriginal communities, whereby trained individuals link women looking for breast cancer information and support with existing local resources, experts and services. The second goal of this project is to provide financial and organizational support to the organizing committee of the annual provincial breast cancer retreat.

The main outcome of this project will be the provision of trained individuals working as Community Contacts in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. This will include the continued recruitment and training of new contacts, ongoing refresher sessions, and extensive evaluation. It will also offer a provincial forum for women living with breast cancer to gain information, share concerns and voice needs and recommendations.

Breast Cancer Partnership Initiatives to Build Capacity in the Breast Cancer Community in Prince Edward Island, 2001-2003

The Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division is the sponsor of this project. The Canadian Cancer Society is a well-established national, not-for-profit, community-based organization of volunteers that offers information, support and assistance to all Canadians affected by cancer. The PEI Division has been an active partner in CBCI initiatives since 1993 when it began sponsorship of the Atlantic Breast Cancer Information Project

Partners in the project are represented by the PEI Breast Cancer Information Partnership (developed from the former Atlantic Breast Cancer Information Project). Its mission is to increase public access to breast cancer information and support by initiating and implementing collaborative projects. Members include the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, the PEI Breast Cancer Networks, PEI Health & Social Services, the PEI Breast Screening Program, the Public Education Committee - Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Cancer Society's Reach-to-Recovery program, and a liaison to the Francophone community.

Goals of the project include strengthening the Partnership's capacity to work collaboratively to meet information and support needs of a wider scope of women throughout their breast cancer experience. Rural and minority communities will be the focus for better awareness of and accessibility to improved resources. Professionals, support groups and family members will be the focus for information on a broader range of breast cancer issues.

The main outcomes of this project include the development and acquisition of resources targetting the specific needs of women within rural, aboriginal, multicultural and Francophone communities of PEI. In addition, this project seeks a more comprehensive public and professional awareness of the breast cancer experience, through the development and promotion of information on specific topics of concern (such as metastatic disease) and the ongoing refinement of information kits for newly-diagnosed women.

Building the Nova Scotia Breast Cancer Network

Breast Cancer Action Nova Scotia (BCANS), the sponsor of this project, is a survivor-driven group formed to voice the concerns and needs of people living with breast cancer, with the mission of changing the legacy of breast cancer through networking, support, education and research. The rationale for the proposed project is to identify and prioritize initiatives that are needed to improve the lives of persons affected by breast cancer.

This work will be undertaken in collaboration with Cancer Care Nova Scotia, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Self Help Connection, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Breast Cancer Network.

BCANS has successfully partnered with Health Canada in 1999 for the study "Bridging the Gaps" and in 2000 with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for the development of a web-based Atlantic Breast Cancer Network.

Major activities over the next two years will be to establish a provincial network including the organization of a meeting of representatives of breast cancer interest groups from across the province to identify resources and gaps in breast cancer information and support and development of a strategic plan for addressing these concerns in Nova Scotia.

The main outcomes of the project will include the establishment of a working committee composed of a spokesperson from each region; an assessment of resources and gaps in each region, and a plan of action; a set of priorities for each region; the establishment of a Nova Scotia Breast Cancer Committee, with representation from each region; the development of a strategic plan that incorporates regional priorities upon which to base subsequent Community Capacity Building in Nova Scotia; and selection of a representative to the national Community Capacity Building Committee.

Building a Stronger Breast Cancer Information and Support Partnership across New Brunswick's Seven Health Districts

The New Brunswick Breast Cancer Information Partnership (NBBCIP), the sponsor of this project, consists of 19 partners from seven health regions. Partners jointly develop, plan and implement all activities. Support groups, cancer organizations, and health institutions work together.

The project goal is to build on previous initiatives to strengthen partners' capacity to work cooperatively to increase New Brunwickers' knowledge about breast cancer. Activities over the next two years will further develop and implement initiatives from the previous year. NBBCIP will identify and begin to address the needs of Native people in New Brunswick through community consultations.

Partner organizations are the Breast Screening Program, Charlotte County Hospital; Dr. Léon Richard Oncology Centre, Dr. George Dumont Hospital, Moncton; Groupe Virage, Moncton; Katherine Wright Family Wellness Centre, Moncton; New Brunswick Division of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS); New Brunswick Breast Cancer Network Inc.; Reach to Recovery (CCS) and the Atlantic Chapter of CBCF; Saint John Breast Cancer Support Group; Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation's Comprehensive Breast Health Program, Saint John; and the Union of New Brunswick Indians, Fredericton.

The main outcomes will include: representation from Native, Francophone and rural groups; effective representation of New Brunswick at national breast cancer meetings; an increase in awareness from sources of information and support, like a focus group for Native Women and the preparation of Purple Violet kits in English and French for two years; the completion of the Atlantic-wide evaluation of information kits; discussions on how to apply the evaluation findings and development of an action plan; an increase in the level of sustaining funding raised; and the identification of information and support needs of those who have had a breast cancer recurrence.

Consolidation of breast cancer partnerships in Quebec

The project sponsor is the Quebec breast cancer information exchange network, the Réseau d'échange d'information du Québec sur le cancer du sein (REIQCS), a completely self-funded organization. REIQCS is the only body bringing together the partners in the fight against breast cancer in Quebec. Its multidisciplinary consultative committee is composed of nearly 40 representatives of local, regional and provincial organizations, whose role it is to inform the projects committee of new developments in their respective organizations, react to the various initiatives proposed by REIQCS and transmit to their organizations information relevant to improving breast cancer efforts.

Among the partners for this project are a number of community self-help groups (for example, Breast Cancer Action Montreal, the Fondation québécoise du cancer [Quebec cancer foundation], the Montreal Breast Cancer Foundation, le Réseau québécois d'action pour la santé des femmes [Quebec women's health action network] and the Canadian Cancer Society), as well as associations of health professionals and representatives of 13 regional health and social services boards.

The project objectives are: to determine the regions' accomplishments and needs; to identify, with the committee members, the priorities for action on the provincial level; to develop projects, services or publications that reflect those priorities; to encourage establishment of regional consultative committees that will work on the local aspects of the priorities with the groups in their territory; to bring the self-help group leaders together, in order that the groups may make themselves known and learn about one another; to develop strategies and avenues for action in relation to self-help in Quebec; and to mobilize the self-help groups around a common project.

The main outcomes of the project will lead to mobilization of the consultative committee member partners for concerted action that has a direct impact, through, among other things, projects involving the community organizations, as well as for improvement of living conditions and quality of life for women with breast cancer, and improvement of the Quebec self-help groups' interventions with women who have breast cancer.

Implementing a Virtual Community for Breast Cancer Information and Support in Ontario: A Pilot Project

The Ontario Breast Cancer Information Exchange Partnership (OBCIEP) is the sponsor of this project. Established in 1993, it is a coalition of 37 member organizations whose primary role is to assist organizations throughout Ontario involved in the dissemination of breast cancer information. Project partners include the sponsoring organization, the Canadian Cancer Society - Ontario Division, the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre (and its partner the Sudbury Regional Breast Health Coalition) and Willow, Breast Cancer Support and Resource Services.

It is envisioned that the virtual community for breast cancer information and support will make use of internet technology including websites, bulletin and resource boards, hyperlinks to other sites, email exchange, chat rooms and document libraries. This virtual community will include both public sites accessible to anyone on-line, and "private space" where Network business and communication would be conducted.

The goal of this project, a pilot site in Northeastern Ontario, initiates the overall goal of a virtual community for breast cancer information and support across Ontario. The use of current technology supports ongoing partner goals including the enhanced provision of support and information dissemination, enhanced shared access to information and resources, and enhanced working relationships among breast cancer groups.

The main outcomes of the project include (i) a functioning website in the Northeast Ontario region that contains updated breast cancer information, support resources and links to other relevant sites; (ii) a list of regional consultants to assist in online computer training; and (iii) a list of resources providing free access to computer and online services within the pilot region. In addition, the pilot project will provide a model for expansion to other regions of the province in the second year of this proposal.

Phase III & IV - Collaboration and Partnership: Planning for Manitoba's Breast Cancer Information and Support Needs

CancerCare Manitoba : Breast Cancer Centre of Hope (HOPE) is the sponsor of this project. HOPE is an organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of breast cancer care to all Manitobans by providing compassionate and comprehensive breast cancer information, support and referral services.

CCB Project Partners include the sponsoring organizations: the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Comprehensive Breast Health Program, the Community Cancer Program Network of CancerCare Manitoba, and 12 Regional Volunteer Information and Support Networks. The working committee for this project also includes the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Breast Cancer Advocates Advisory Committee, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network and the Western Region Breast Cancer Steering Committee. Evaluation feedback from project partners pointed to a critical need for activities that promote ongoing community capacity building and the need for systematic dissemination of information across the province.

The goal of this project is "to ensure ongoing breast health/cancer information and support for citizens of Manitoba by fostering the capacity of the Regional Networks to work collaboratively to identify and address the information and support needs of the residents in their region."

The main outcomes of the project include (i) increased communication mechanisms (news bulletin, on-line workshops, a peer support "buddy" system for Network leaders) and stronger links between organizations - specifically of the Network and local Regional Health Authorities, (ii) increased awareness of resources through the distribution of Regional Resource Leaflets and the development of a logo promoting the Manitoba Breast Cancer Information and Support Network; and (iii) balanced Network representation from professional, survivor and community stakeholders, and strategic planning workshops on fund-raising and future initiatives.

Living the Vision: Educating and Supporting Women and Their Communities

Breast Cancer Action Saskatchewan (BCAS) is the sponsor of this project. BCAS is a survivor-driven, non-profit organization whose mission is to empower those affected by breast cancer through education, advocacy, networking and caring support. Since its inception in 1994, the BCAS has been active in a broad spectrum of breast cancer issues, including Phases 1 and 2 of the CCB project, where it has been instrumental in the establishment of the Saskatchewan Breast Cancer Network.

The Saskatchewan Breast Cancer Network Working Group comprises a core of key partners including the sponsor organization, the Canadian Cancer Society - SK Division, HOPE Cancer Help Centre, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Screening Program, SK Association of Social Workers, SK Women's Agricultural Network, and the University of Saskatchewan Continuing Nursing and Medical Education. Many other partners, including regional health representatives, provincial government health departments and the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, collaborate on individual projects and strategic planning of the SBCN.

The SBCN Strategy Review Meeting (March 2001) allowed all partners and stakeholders to refine and prioritize needs as outlined in the objectives and activities put forward within this current proposal.

The goals of the project include (i) enhancing and expanding the SBCN; and (ii) building upon the outreach and communication strategies that will empower women and their communities in accessing timely information and support.

The main outcomes of this project include (i) the sustainability of the SBCN by fostering the vision and goals of the network into 2003 and beyond; and (ii) an increased capacity of those concerned with breast health / breast cancer to make informed decisions, through the development, distribution and promotion of resources such as the Saskatchewan Information Kits, Breast Health Workplace presentations, and trainer workshops for consumer empowerment.

Education and Communication Skills Development

Breast Cancer InfoLink / Alberta Cancer Board is the sponsor of this project. Breast Cancer InfoLink, one of the five regional information exchange projects funded by Health Canada under Phase 1 of the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative, is now a program affiliated with the Alberta Cancer Board, Division of Epidemiology, Prevention and Screening. Breast Cancer InfoLink's mandate is to improve access and availability of breast cancer information and support services in Alberta.

The project will be an intersectoral partnership with a core Project Advisory Group. Partners include the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (Alberta Chapter), the Canadian Cancer Society - Alberta/NWT Division, Reach to Recovery Breast Cancer Support Program, Breast Health Education Coalition of Calgary, Breast Friends Society of Edmonton, the Hinton Breast Cancer Support Group and Screen Test.

The overall goal of the project is to increase the capacity of local breast cancer networks, organizations and support groups to provide improved access to breast cancer information and support for breast cancer survivors. Focussing on the improved skills and education of the individuals who provide this community service will provide necessary support to these leaders, and in turn, strengthen the organizational effectiveness of the networks and collaboration among local and provincial organizations.

Three main outcomes of this project will include (i) a continuing education series for community groups and a discussion series for group leaders; (ii) a communication plan and available resources, including training, for local groups to promote their services; and (iii) funding to community groups for resource acquisition or program/group development initiatives.

Enhancement and Expansion of Community Capacity Building Initiatives within BC and the Yukon

The Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division, and the British Columbia Cancer Agency are the co-sponsors of this project. The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, not-for-profit community-based organization of volunteers, whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. The British Columbia Cancer Agency's mission is to reduce the incidence of cancer, reduce the mortality rate of people with cancer, and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer.

A coalition of individuals and organizations (the Alliance for Breast Cancer Information and Support) are partners in this project, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, the BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, the First Nations Breast Cancer Society, the Breast Reconstruction Program, the Women's Health Bureau (BC Ministry), Life Quilt for Breast Cancer Society, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences, Abreast in a Boat Society, and the 7 BC and Yukon Regional Advisory Groups.

The overall goal is to "expand activities within a collaborative model to enhance breast cancer information and support within BC and the Yukon...to ensure that people living with breast cancer, their families and friends, have increased information and support available."

The main outcomes of this project will be (i) to have an Alliance Community Representative in a majority (80%) of communities, (ii) increased professional and public awareness of available resources and services through hospital-based resource fairs, information kits & posters, and a First Nations Breast Health brochure, (iii) new information on topics of interest to the survivor community - after treatment issues, metastatic disease and recurrence, and (iv) increased awareness of support groups, increased number of support groups and continuing education and support for the facilitators of such groups.

Breast Cancer in the Northwest Territories: A Strong Foundation for Support and Information

The NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group and the Status of Women Council of the NWT are joint sponsors of this project. The Action Group is a survivor-led volunteer group knowledgeable about breast cancer issues, with a mandate to increase or improve the breast health/breast cancer information, services and support available to NWT women and women affected by breast cancer. The Status of Women Council is a territorial organization whose mandate is to promote the equality of women and address women's concerns across a range of issues including health. The Council has been involved with breast cancer issues since 1992.

The CCB Project Advisory Panel, currently the foundation for increased networking and collaboration on breast cancer information and support in the NWT, provides guidance to the project and is the core networking group. Advisory Panel members include representatives of the sponsor organizations, the Canadian Cancer Society (NWT Division), Community Health Centres, Public Health Units, Regional Health and Social Services Boards, the NWT Medical Association, the NWT Registered Nurses Association, Stanton Regional Hospital Screening Mammography Program, and the Yellowknife Public Library. In addition, there is a network of individuals and organizations who are regularly consulted and collaborate on territorial initiatives.

The main outcomes of the project include (i) the consolidation of the CCB Project Advisory Panel as the foundation of the network structure within the NWT, (ii) increased peer support through support-liaison volunteers and (iii) increased information including information kits and audio-taped stories of survivorship and hope distributed to newly diagnosed women, and other breast health information distributed throughout the NWT health system.

Breast Cancer in Nunavut: Increasing Awareness and Support

The sponsor of this project is the newly formed Nunavut Status of Women Council (Qulliit), whose mandate includes developing public awareness of issues affecting women. The partners in this project will include the Qikiqtani Inuit Women's Association (Women's Department), and the Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Nunavut. Additional partners will be identified from each region of Nunavut as part of the project.

On the basis of the priorities identified at 2000 and 2001 planning sessions, and the recent Nunavut Breast Cancer Conference, the Project sponsor and network partners will address the two objectives of increasing awareness and accessibility to breast health information and education, and implementing a support system for women diagnosed with breast cancer, with the overall goal of increasing awareness and access to breast health information and support with respect to early detection, new diagnosis and survival.

Activities to reach these objectives include developing and implementing a plan to sustain networking and collaboration; collaborating with others to develop needed resources including information for screening, early diagnosis and ongoing support; increasing access to peer support; and developing community support, and establishing resources in each community in Nunavut.

Expected outcomes include; future sustainability of networking and collaboration ; increased access to peer support for survivors; information kits and education material in culturally appropriate context and language. Indicators of success for outcomes include: up to additional funds or in-kind support is leveraged to meet objectives; materials from information kits are focus tested by the majority of regions; more information kits are distributed; more peer support persons are trained; more families who support women with beast cancer access escort medical travel, and there will be an increase in the number of women who access breast cancer information and support.

Women dealing with breast cancer will benefit from the Project through increased access to support and information, both while undergoing diagnosis and treatment and when in their home community. Women with breast cancer may then experience an improved quality of life. This project strongly supports the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative's efforts to increase community capacity to respond to the needs of those affected by breast cancer.