Adventist member Contributes to National Cancer Plan Shaping the Next Decade of Care

Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, a devoted Seventh-day Adventist and Founder & CEO of One Vision Charity, was honoured to be invited to participate in the national consultation event shaping England’s new 10-Year National Cancer Plan. Organised by Macmillan Cancer Support in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, the event gathered key voices from across sectors to influence the future of cancer care and tackle persistent health inequalities.

Representing both the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (BUC) and the wider faith and voluntary sector, Enoch highlighted the critical role that faith communities play in addressing cancer disparities, particularly among underserved and ethnically diverse populations.

“It was a privilege to bring the voice of our church and our communities to this important national platform,” said Enoch Kanagaraj BEM. “Faith spaces are not just places of worship, they are trusted hubs where prevention, education, and compassionate support can take root. Our collaboration with Macmillan has already demonstrated the impact we can have when faith and health come together.”

It was also a privilege to attend alongside inspiring voices like Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan, and her brilliant leadership team, whose dedication to inclusive care and community engagement was evident throughout the consultation.

The National Cancer Plan is a key component of the government’s wider 10-Year Health Plan (10YHP), which seeks to transform the NHS through three fundamental shifts:

• From illness to prevention

• From hospital to community

• From analogue to digital

This vision for health reform aligns closely with the Adventist Church’s longstanding commitment to holistic wellbeing and preventative care. Enoch’s input reflected the Church’s practical experience of bringing health education directly to the community through local churches and partnerships.

The consultation also addressed the specific needs of younger patients through the Children and Young People’s (CYP) Cancer Taskforce, launched in February 2025. The taskforce is working to improve outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer, and its recommendations will be incorporated into the final National Cancer Plan. One Vision welcomed this initiative, having seen the value of engaging families early in culturally appropriate ways.

Pastor Eglan Brooks, President of the British Union Conference, expressed his support and appreciation for this contribution, stating:

“We are incredibly proud of Enoch’s work and his invitation to be part of such a significant national conversation. His contribution reflects our Adventist values of health, service, and outreach. It is encouraging to see the role of faith communities recognised in shaping inclusive and equitable healthcare for all.”

The consultation focused on themes including early diagnosis, access to treatment, and improving patient experience. Enoch advocated for stronger collaboration between statutory services and trusted faith institutions to ensure that care is truly inclusive and shaped by the needs of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

This involvement marks a continued commitment by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be an active voice in promoting holistic wellbeing, social justice, and public health reform in the UK and beyond.

For media enquiries, please contact:

One Vision Charity

Email: info@ovwatford.org

One Vision is registered in England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Registered Charity No. 1192511.