Local homelessness fair
13 October 2025
Meeting local people experiencing homelessness to spread the word about ovarian cancer
People experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless often have poorer outcomes when it comes to their health and wellbeing.
In fact, in a recent report from Caritas Salford, 73 per cent of people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Greater Manchester and Lancashire identified as having at least one physical health condition compared to 50 percent of the general population.
31 per cent had complex health problems with a tri-morbidity (physical, mental health and drug
misuse problem), but overwhelmingly, 88 per cent of those included in the research said they wanted help with an aspect of their health - whether by improving their access to services or receiving more information to empower them to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
We were therefore delighted to attend a special homeless health fair in Manchester, organised by the Manchester Homelessness Partnership and Caritas Salford, to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and spread the word to people locally.
Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in its earliest stages can significantly improve the prognosis and we’re on a mission to shout loudly so that as many people as possible know the symptoms to look out for.
Jo Rosenberg, our chair of trustees, said: “As a charity that has an ambitious vision of a future where no-one in the North West dies of ovarian cancer, we are always keen to be out and about in our local communities raising awareness.
“My brilliant, funny and wonderful friend Dianne Oxberry was sadly diagnosed with ovarian cancer and died just ten days later. That’s why I (and everyone else at the charity) am so committed to shouting loudly about the signs and symptoms to look out for. We want people, whichever community they are from, to be more aware and to see their GP if there’s anything bothering them. It could save their life or the life of someone they love.
“We’re really grateful to have been able to attend this fair. It was a really important event and the people we spoke to on the day were really interested in finding out more. We hear so many stories from people who have seen us spreading the word and have been reassured or diagnosed early as a result so we know that it makes a real difference.
“Thanks to everyone who came along to talk to us on the day.”
“We’re always happy to attend events or meetings or to provide free materials for people to share with those closest to them. Please get in touch now if you’re able to help spread the word.”
To find out more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer click here now.
To get in touch and help spread the word, please email: info@dianneoxberrytrust.org
