About Us

 Seen to be Heard, started as a project by photographer Jennifer Willis to help a friend, Cheryl, to raise awareness of Secondary Breast Cancer in Northern Ireland. Indeed the seed was sown when Cheryl asked Jennifer to photograph her to the inevitable end of her cancer 'journey'. It quickly grew into what became an exhibition of images of 16 women all living with the consequences of the disease and its treatment.  

The exhibition was first hosted at Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery April/May 2022. It also included a 45 minute video of some of the women telling their personal experiences of their life and treatment within the 

Health Care System in NI.

 More than this it has become 'Advocacy through Art'.  Whilst Jennifer continues to photograph other women who wish to be involved in the project  we also continue to support the women when possible in their campaign for parity of care within the province and for parity of care between NI and other parts of the UK. You can read more about how NI lags behind other parts of the UK elsewhere on this site.

In this website you will read some personal stories, you will learn about Secondary Breast Cancer and symptoms to watch out for, how women in NI often receive less than acceptable care. We will also be able to 

put you in touch with a local support group, 

something that has been sadly lacking in NI until July 2021. 

If you are in NI and have Secondary Breast Cancer you are no longer alone.

Seen to be Heard comprises me (Jennifer) the photographer, my wonderful friend Julia, in friendship and support of every woman living with Secondary Breast Cancer in Northern Ireland who has taken part in this project. In particular Cheryl Graham who is actively campaigning in many directions to improve services and care for others in her position.

 Supporting us also is Deirdre from www.belfastexposed.com in particular regard to helping us to secure future locations for the photographic exhibition.