Women are being invited to drop into a free community-led event for a relaxing afternoon of live music, culture – and an opportunity to learn more about breast cancer.
Taking place in Shoreditch, east London, during Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, The Girls’ Bathroom has been created to challenge the stigma, fear and silence that often surrounds cancer observations in communities of colour.
NHS North East London Cancer Alliance has partnered with the UK’s leading creative and cultural cancer organisation, Touchy-Feely, to stage the event on Saturday 18 July.
Far from a traditional health campaign, The Girls’ Bathroom will combine culture, live music, storytelling, community and life-saving information in a way that feels accessible, welcoming and culturally relevant – helping to open up vital conversations around body awareness, early detection and healthy advocacy within Black and ethnically diverse communities.
Through immersive installations, informal conversations and direct access to healthcare professionals, attendees will be encouraged to become more familiar with their bodies, understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and feel empowered to advocate for themselves and the people they love.
Touchy-Feely was founded by breast cancer survivor and creative strategist Nellie Gbadebo following her own diagnosis at 26 years old while raising three children under the age of three. Since launching, it has become a vital voice in conversations surrounding cancer awareness, health inequalities and representation for ethnically diverse communities affected by cancer.
Cyret White, Senior Project Manager, North East London Cancer Alliance, said:
“Research shows us that women from ethnic minority communities face later cancer diagnosis, poorer health outcomes and barriers to accessing culturally competent information and support.
“The Girls’ Bathroom aims to help close that gap by bridging these conversations directly into the community in a way that feels human, relatable and free from clinical intimidation.
“The event is free and open to all, so please come along on the day – there’ll be an opportunity to meet Nellie, enjoy the live music and have informal conversations with NHS professionals in a relaxed setting.”
Nellie Gbadebo, CEO and Founder of Touchy-Feely, said:
“Touchy-Feely is incredibly proud to be partnering with NHS North East London Cancer Alliance to bring The Girls’ Bathroom to east London.
“This partnership represents what’s possible when healthcare meets culture. It reflects a shared commitment to making breast health information more accessible, culturally relevant and community-led, particularly for underserved communities.”
Health Minister, Sharon Hodgson, said:
“Events like The Girls’ Bathroom are breaking down barriers to talking about cancer, bringing trusted advice into communities and giving people the confidence to come forward early, when treatment is most effective.
“We’re tackling cancer on all fronts with our National Cancer Plan, which will transform cancer care by delivering faster diagnosis, quicker treatment and better support for patients.
“Through our new Neighbourhood Early Diagnosis Fund, backed by £200 million for Cancer Alliances, we’ll tackle inequalities in screening and diagnosis so that everyone, regardless of where they live or their background, has the best possible chance of surviving cancer.”
The Girls’ Bathroom takes place from 12pm til 4pm on Saturday, 18 July at Unlocked Shoreditch, 118 Curtain Road, London EC2A.
