Macmillan Cancer Relief's Cancertalk Week, 23 to 27 January 2006

Children are being encouraged to talk about cancer during Macmillan Cancer Relief's Cancertalk Week, 23 to 27 January 2006. They can also take part in The Big Hush, a sponsored silence and a story writing competition on Friday 27 January.

By getting involved in activities throughout Cancertalk Week, such as lessons focusing on cancer, or The Big Hush and story writing competition, children can increase their awareness of the disease and help reduce the fear surrounding cancer.

Children's author Anne Fine, is encouraging children to get involved and write the next adventure for Loudmouth Louis, the popular story of a very loud boy who challenges himself to stay silent and raise money for charity. The competition will be split into three categories: 6 and under; 7-10 years and 11 and over. Each winner, chosen by Anne Fine, will receive £50 worth of book vouchers, as well as £100 worth of book vouchers for their school.

The story writing competition gives children the perfect opportunity to reflect on the cause while they take part in Cancertalk Week and The Big Hush. I can't wait to read the new stories about Loudmouth Louis – and I'm hoping it won't be too difficult to choose the winners!" says Anne Fine. "Please join thousands of children across the UK who will be taking part, it's simple to organise and you'll be making a real difference to people living with cancer."

Money raised by The Big Hush will help fund specialist nurses and doctors who deliver the best in cancer care; build vitally needed cancer care centres; give financial help to those who need it most and provide a range of cancer information both locally and nationally.

Joanne Miller, schools and youth development manager, Macmillan Cancer Relief, says, "With more than one million people currently living with cancer in the UK, most of us know someone affected by the disease. Whether it's a pupil, friend, relative or teacher, many young people will have a personal experience of cancer. This unique educational initiative will help to break down some of the taboos surrounding cancer and tackle its myths and misconceptions."

As part of the Cancertalk programme, Macmillan is providing free teaching packs for schools to help teachers plan their Cancertalk Week. The resource includes: a booklet with information about cancer for teachers and youth group leaders; activity sheets; teachers' notes and practical advice, and also a video with teacher and classroom sections. The Cancertalk activities are designed to fit in with the curriculum for PSHE/PSE/PSD and Citizenship/RME.

For more information on The Big Hush and story writing competition, or to order a Cancertalk teaching pack, call 0845 6011716 or log onto: www.macmillan.org.uk

About Macmillan Cancer Relief

Macmillan Cancer Relief provides the expert care and emotional support that makes a real difference to people living with cancer. We offer a range of innovative cancer services and are at the heart of improving cancer care throughout the UK.

For cancer information and support, contact the Macmillan CancerLine (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 6.00pm) by freephone: 0808 808 2020, textphone: 0808 808 0121 or email: cancerline@macmillan.org.uk; or log on to www.macmillan.org.uk

We are campaigning to get a better financial deal for people dealing with cancer. Visit www.macmillan.org.uk/abetterdeal or call 0800 500 800 for more information about our Better Deal campaign.

Cancertalk Programme

Over 6,000 schools have benefited from the Cancertalk programme which is linked to the PSHE/PSE/PSD and Citizenship/RME curriculum including cross-curricular application for English, Science and Design and Technology and other subjects. The teaching packs can be used throughout the year as well as being the basis of activities for Cancertalk Week.

Teaching Packs - There are two packs available – a primary schools pack for 7 to 11 year olds (Key Stage 2/Scottish P3-6), and a secondary schools pack for 11 to 16 year olds (Key Stages 3-4 /Scottish P7-10). Each pack contains a booklet with lesson plans, teachers' notes and assembly templates, a video with teacher and classroom sections, and a classroom poster.

Cancertalk Week - (23 to 27 January 2006) is an opportunity for schools to explore cancer and cancer-related issues with their pupils or students through assemblies, lessons presentations and fundraising. Details of how to get involved are provided in the teaching pack.

The Big Hush - (27 January 2006) is Macmillan Cancer Relief's annual sponsored silence event for schools and children's organisations. Participating schools are encouraged to organise a sponsored silence for pupils. There is no time limit this year. Details on this event are provided in the teaching pack.

Schools Zone Website - www.macmillan.org.uk - further supports Cancertalk Week and The Big Hush and provides on-line activities and printable resources that can be used at any time, as well as a youth website where children and young people can find the answers to questions they have about cancer.