Libraries NI Supports #NipItInTheBud Campaign to Promote Cancer Awareness in Rural Communities

Libraries NI is supporting the #NipItInTheBud campaign by hosting free cancer awareness sessions in libraries across Northern Ireland.

This important initiative is part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project, delivered by The Farming Community Network (FCN) in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. The campaign aims to tackle health inequalities in rural areas by raising awareness of cancer symptoms, encouraging earlier detection, and promoting timely access to healthcare.

Paul Kelly, Libraries NI Senior Services Manager, said:
“Libraries are trusted spaces at the heart of local communities, and we are pleased to support the #NipItInTheBud campaign. By hosting these free awareness sessions and displaying important information in our local libraries, we can help ensure that people in rural areas feel informed and supported to recognise early symptoms and seek help when they need it most.”

Caitriona Crawford, National Manager (Northern Ireland) at The Farming Community Network (FCN), added:
“As welcoming and accessible community spaces, libraries are uniquely placed to support this campaign — not only by hosting free cancer awareness sessions, but also by displaying #NipItInTheBud posters across Northern Ireland. These materials promote early symptom recognition and highlight the importance of getting checked out, helping to improve outcomes for those in our communities.”

The Rural Communities Cancer Project, delivered by The Farming Community Network and Macmillan Cancer Support, aims not only to increase cancer symptom awareness but also to highlight the wide range of Macmillan services available to people affected by cancer. This includes information and support across each of the health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland, connecting those impacted by cancer to an extensive network of local charities and support services that provide practical, emotional and financial help during and after a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer Awareness Sessions in Libraries

Sessions will take place in the following libraries:

• Rathfriland Library – 10 October 2025 at 1:30pm
• Enniskillen Library – 16 October 2025 at 10:00am
• Lisnaskea Library – 16 October 2025 at 2:00pm
• Castlederg Library – 4 November 2025 at 6:30pm
• Fintona Library – 6 November 2025 at 11:00am
• Carnlough Library – 6 November 2025 at 12:00pm
• Randalstown Library – 7 November 2025 at 11:00am
• Portglenone Library – 13 November 2025 at 11:30am
• Whitehead Library – 14 November 2025 at 11:30am
• Omagh Library – 18 November 2025 at 2:00pm
• Dungiven Library – 21 November 2025 at 11:00am
• Crumlin Library – 21 November 2025 at 3:00pm
• Fivemiletown Library – 28 November 2025 at 10:00am
• Garvagh Library – 4 December 2025 at 2:30pm
• Kilrea Library – 4 December 2025 at 11:00am

All sessions are free, open to everyone, and no booking is required.

To find out more or to locate a session near you, visit Events - libraries NI

For more information about the Rural Communities Cancer Project, visit https://fcn.org.uk/cancersupport/