Influencing using real stories and hard evidence

There is more than one way to skin a cat. And there’s more than one way to build a case for change.

Sometimes it’s using the highly personal stories of individuals - the people prepared to share their experiences and shine a light on problems and issues.

At the end of last year, we helped the charity Cancer52 to build and analyse a survey of people with rare and less common cancers. Over 600 people, or a carer on their behalf, responded to open questions about their diagnosis, treatment and care providing a rich picture of the experiences of these groups of patients.

The findings were used to produce a report which highlighted the issues that need addressing to improve patient experience for people with rare and less common cancers - issues such as slow diagnosis and poor information - as well as the positives that can be built upon. Four people kindly shared their stories in more depth and these were featured in the report. Cancer52 launched the report, Getting a Better Deal for People with Rare and Less Common Cancers: What we can learn from patients, at an event in Parliament. Accompanied by social media activity. It has already reached many stakeholders tasked with improving cancer care.

Sometimes hard evidence and a critical eye is required to ensure plans stay on track and focus isn’t lost.

Over the summer, we’ve worked with the Loneliness Action Group and some other research colleagues, Kate Jopling and Dan Jones, to cast a critical eye over the government's progress against the Loneliness Strategy. Desk research, interviews with key civil servants and a survey of wider stakeholders allowed an assessment of progress made. The report, A Connected Society: Assessing progress in tackling loneliness, published last week, highlights key priorities for action on loneliness in the future and aims to drive forward the efforts of the government as they continue to implement their Loneliness Strategy. Key developments like taking forward social prescribing and supporting young people as they transition from school to university.

Often it’s both approaches that are needed; switching between the tactics as the situation requires. Both the power of the personal story and careful analysis of the current landscape are valuable ways of influencing and get your message heard.