We had our monthly ‘Hear Us Heroes’ event at the end of April. The meeting saw an excellent turnout, with 45 people having joined us!

We welcomed Shakil Salam (BCSP Health Promotion Officer from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) as a guest speakers, talking to us all about Bowel Cancer.

Shakil informed us about the Bowel Cancer testing kit that will be issued to people over the age of 54. He explained the importance of doing the test properly and returning it to the NHS for testing. Our Hear US Heroes group asked lots of questions after his presentation.  Some questions he could answer, for the others he said he will get back to us with the right information. They all completed the survey/feedback and received a free pen from Shakil. 

Next we enjoyed a music performance by our volunteer Craig Mountford (he facilitates our ‘Just Out There Group’ here at Care Network on Thursdays with Gill) and his friends Barry Shackleton (a lecturer), and Chris Sully is (an ex-Blackburn Rovers footballer). 

Barry Shackleton is the singer and bass player in the band. He's a retired electrical engineer who now lectures part time in Science and Mathematics at Burnley College.  

The band brought their shiny bright guitars and lots of equipment to sing and play their instruments together.

They performed a few songs and the group enjoyed a bit of a sing along with the words on the projector behind them. 

One of our volunteers reminded everyone about all the different groups we have for each day of the working week at Care Network.

We wrapped up the meeting with a delicious sandwich buffet, served with tea and coffee at the end of the show! Take a look at a few more photos from our last meeting below...

What Is Hear Us Heroes in Blackburn?

Hear Us Heroes is a welcoming group for local people, carers and/or family members of those in Blackburn with Darwen with lived experience of Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiverse Conditions.

If you would like to find out more about our Hear Us Heroes group, or come along to one of our meetings, please click here or contact our colleague Fatiha.