Beyond crisis: turning mandate into action in Wales

With the election behind us, the focus must now turn to delivery.

Wales has gone to the polls and elected 96 Members of the Senedd (MS) in an expanded parliament. A new government is taking shape. For people affected by cancer, this must be the moment where commitments made become change felt. For Macmillan, this is the next phase of our work.

In the run up to the election, we listened, brought people together and made sure the voices of those affected by cancer were heard by decision-makers across Wales. We were also clear about the change that is needed, setting out four priorities for cancer care:

• a long-term national strategy
• a supported and sustainable workforce
• better data and digital systems and
• a more personalised, whole-person care that is easier to access and closer to where people live.

This sits alongside Macmillan’s wider mission to bring care closer to people and ensure no one faces cancer without the support they need.

We will build relationships with newly elected Members of the Senedd and strengthen those we already have with returning Members. It is vital that every MS understands what it means to be diagnosed with cancer in Wales today, and why change cannot wait.

We will also engage early with the new Welsh Government. Their ambition to improve cancer services offers a real opportunity. Where our priorities align, we are ready to work alongside them as a delivery partner, helping to turn commitments into practical improvements for people affected by cancer.

Commitments made during the campaign must now be delivered. This includes progress towards a long-term cancer strategy that tackles inequality and ensures people receive the personalised care they need. We will continue to champion the voices of people affected by cancer so that their experiences shape decisions at every level.

Bringing people together will remain central to our work.

We will continue to convene people with lived experience, healthcare professionals, NHS leaders and third sector partners. By sharing insight and working collectively, we can help drive the changes that are needed across the system.

Too many people still face different outcomes depending on who they are or where they live. We will keep working to understand what needs to change, amplify underrepresented voices and support new approaches that can reduce these inequities.

Throughout this new Senedd term, we will ensure that the experiences shared with us by hundreds of people across Wales continue to shape the conversation. Behind every statistic is a person facing cancer, and their insight will guide our work every step of the way.

As this new Senedd term begins, our role is clear.

Macmillan will be a partner, a convenor and a critical friend. We will work with government, NHS Wales and others across the sector, always focused on what matters most to people living with cancer.

This is a chance to move beyond crisis and turn the scale of challenge facing people with cancer into meaningful change.Together, we can make sure people in Wales get the care, support and compassion they need, and continue to spark a revolution in cancer care. Alexander Kewn, External Affairs Adviser

Write to your Members of the Senedd (MS)

Newly elected Members of the Senedd need to hear what matters most to the people they represent. By contacting your local MS, you can help make sure improving cancer care is a priority from day one of this new Senedd term.

Share your experience or what matters most to you and ask them to support Macmillan’s priorities for cancer care in Wales. Together, we can push for the action needed to tackle inequalities, improve access to personalised support, and ensure people get the care they need, whatever, wherever and whenever they need it.

You can say:

“As my Member of the Senedd, I’m asking you to prioritise improving cancer care in Wales and to work with organisations like Macmillan to ensure everyone affected by cancer gets the care they need, whatever, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Now is the moment to turn commitments into real change.

While we work alongside government and partners to drive progress, your voice is key. By speaking up, you can help hold decision-makers to account and be part of the movement to spark a revolution in cancer care in Wales.