EuropaColon Slovenia has been named the winner of this year’s Wolfram Nolte Memorial Award, receiving a €5,000 prize in recognition of an outstanding project supporting carers of people living with digestive cancers.

The Heart to Heart – Carer Support Programme is a dedicated initiative for family members and friends who care for someone with colorectal or other digestive cancers. These carers often play a central role in the patient’s journey, yet their own needs are frequently overlooked. This programme addresses that gap directly by offering practical, emotional, and educational support.

The initiative combines structured online coaching sessions with expert-led workshops focused on day-to-day challenges, such as managing care responsibilities, communicating with healthcare teams, and coping with stress and emotional strain. Participants also receive tailored information materials that remain accessible beyond the sessions, allowing carers to revisit guidance when needed.

A key element of the programme is its focus on connection. By bringing carers together, it helps reduce isolation and encourages the development of a sustainable peer-support network. This sense of community offers reassurance and shared understanding, while also strengthening resilience and confidence in the caring role. In the longer term, the programme is expected to improve not only the well-being of carers, but also the quality of support provided to patients across Slovenia.

DiCE operational grants support Member Organisations

Alongside the Wolfram Nolte Memorial Award, DiCE has completed its latest round of operational grants. Fifteen applications were submitted by Member Organisations, reflecting strong engagement and commitment across the network. A total of €18,800 has been allocated to support a range of national and local initiatives, including awareness activities, patient support services and advocacy efforts.

A new call for operational grants is planned for next spring, creating further opportunities for members to strengthen their work and develop new projects that support people affected by digestive cancers across Europe.

Author:

Draga Neskovic