Our Work in Wales

Health is a devolved matter in the UK, meaning that the Welsh Government has full control over health policy in Wales.

At Brain Tumour Research, we work closely with Members of the Senedd (MSs) and the Welsh Government to ensure that the voices of brain tumour patients are heard across the UK. Our goal is to influence policy and decision-making so that patients in Wales receive the best possible support and care.

Brain Tumour Research is funding its first major research project in Wales in partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC). Led by Dr Ben Newland at Cardiff University, the aim will be to develop a revolutionary drug-delivery system to improve treatment for glioblastoma patients.

Parliamentary Events

To support this goal, we actively engage in a variety of events within the Senedd. One notable occasion was a passionate debate on brain tumours in May 2023 supported by Mike Hedges MS. The pressing need for a strategic plan to prioritise research into brain tumours in Wales was clearly outlined. This was a direct result of an awareness event we held in Cardiff the previous month, supported by Mike Hedges MS.

Debates

The debate enjoyed contributions from across the political spectrum and highlighted the need for collaboration in Wales to increase funding into research for brain tumours.

David Rees, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Cancer in Wales, encapsulated the stakes with a powerful statement:

"Research saves lives. Every pound invested in research generates multiple returns – not just in money, but also in terms of outcomes."

Cross-Party Group

Brain Tumour Research actively contributes to the Cross-Party Group on Cancer in Wales, sharing evidence and insights to highlight inequalities and influence policy. It also engages with the Cross-Party Group on Medical Research – advocating for greater focus on brain tumours.

Coalitions

Brain Tumour Research is a member of the Wales Cancer Alliance, working with other charities to influence cancer policy, improve care, and support research. The charity regularly meets with the Health Minister to advocate for stronger life sciences capacity and better workforce planning. It also supports the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce subgroup in Wales, helping to highlight the urgent need for action on low-survival cancers. Through these collaborations, Brain Tumour Research helps to shape cancer strategy and push for more research into brain tumours in Wales.

Ahead of the upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales, Brain Tumour Research is developing dedicated manifestos to ensure brain tumour patients, their families and the research community are firmly on the political agenda.

These manifestos will set out key asks for the next governments, including commitments to sustainable research funding, improved access to treatments, earlier diagnosis and stronger support for those affected. By engaging directly with policymakers, we aim to influence health strategies and ensure brain tumour voices are heard within devolved decision-making.

As a Charity we also attend supplementary events in the Welsh Parliament. At our 2023 drop-in event, sponsored by Mike Hedges MS, we were able to engage with Members to help bring about better funding, better options and better outcomes for brain tumour patients.

Are you in Wales and ready to make a difference for the brain tumour community?

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