Rethinking cancer greetings cards

Barley Designs has launched a new project, with support from the charity From Me to You, to change the way we support people affected by cancer, starting with a simple but powerful tool, the greetings card and they want YOU to take part.

The independent affordable art business has opened a public survey asking people both with a cancer diagnosis, and friends and family supporting them, what kind of cards and messages they actually want to receive in the post. The responses will help shape a new, thoughtfully designed range of cards that can hold everyone.

This initiative comes at a time when many people struggle to find the right words after a diagnosis. A 2023 survey by Maggie’s cancer charity of 2,000 people who had friends with cancer found that 59% felt unsure what to say when they first heard the news.

Founder Katie Barley started Barley Designs after her husband was diagnosed with stage four melanoma in 2021. Clinging to the comfort of spotting two magpies, a sign that everything would be OK, she created her first print as a symbol of hope to hang on the wall. But as she searched for cards that reflected the reality of their situation, she found very little that truly resonated. Knowing every cancer experience is different, she set out to discover what people actually want to receive in the post during such a challenging time.

“I really want those with cancer, and those supporting them, to have a say in what they would genuinely like to receive,” says Katie. "It's hard to know what to say to someone during these times so I'd love to discover some common themes and inspirational phrases that resonate across a wide group of people so the cards can do the talking.”

Alison Hitchcock, Co-founder of From Me to You says; "We're delighted to be involved with this project. Cancer can be so isolating for people, regardless of the support network around them, so sending a card or writing a note can have a huge impact. As a charity that sends thousands of letters and cards to people with cancer each year, we know that having designs and wording appropriate for the situation is vital. Barley Designs are doing a brilliant thing in asking people affected by the disease - whether directly, or a loved one, colleague, neighbour - for their thoughts. After all, it's them who will be receiving or buying the cards to send."

The short survey features a range of example designs for feedback and takes less than five minutes to complete.

To take part click here.