“Better Together” is not a new slogan but here in mainly rural East Anglia, it’s particularly relevant. The recently established partnership between two Norfolk-based charities, Big C and Support Cambodia, is an excellent example of how communication and co-operation can be maximized to everyone’s mutual benefit. As a very small charity, Support Cambodia are keen to make links with other East Anglian groups or organisations who either have a direct connection to Cambodia or a general interest in supporting communities in the developing world.

ABOUT SUPPORT CAMBODIA

Founded in 2015, Support Cambodia aims to provide help for economically and socially disadvantaged communities in North-West Cambodia. A small and independent charity, it is run by volunteer Trustees and makes a point of taking no administrative costs out of charity donations, so every penny reaches those who need it most. The charity funds projects centred on young people and families, and all the money is raised by volunteers, through events or by private donation.

ABOUT BIG C

Big C is an incredible Norfolk-based charity dedicated to supporting those affected by cancer, helping thousands of people every year. They have four drop-in support and information centres across Norfolk, providing valuable information about diagnosis, treatments, side effects and recovery. Trained nurses and practitioners are also on hand to provide emotional help, support, and complementary therapies.

Support Cambodia are delighted to be partnering with Big C in a joint initiative, which will mutually benefit both charities. One of the issues faced by many people undergoing chemotherapy is hair loss and the increased need to protect themselves from the sun. The Big C centres offer a choice of headwear for this purpose and now that choice also includes the Support Cambodia headscarves, designed and handmade by a women’s dressmaking group in Piaksnaeng (a village south-east of Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat). Two of Support Cambodia’s Trustees, Maria Brown and Katie Maidment visited the dressmaking group in January 2025, where they purchased not only the headscarves but also the women’s beautiful handmade bags (also available to buy from Support Cambodia) and were able to chat to the women who made them. More information about the charity trustees’ visit to Cambodia in January 2025 is available here.

Katie Maidment, Chair of Support Cambodia said: “It’s wonderful to see how this group has developed over the past three years, and it clearly plays an important part in local community life. It is such a happy place, with lots of laughter, and I’m thrilled to know that their hard work will benefit cancer patients being supported by Big C. As a Norfolk charity ourselves, it’s very special to be working together with another local charity, making a difference together.” 

Corinne Cambridge, Support & Information Officer at Big C who has been instrumental in setting this partnership up said: “We are so excited to be working with such an effective charity, and such a talented group of women in Cambodia. These cotton headscarves are handmade and I’m sure they will be well received by the people we support at Big C.” 

THE HEADSCARVES AND HOW TO PURCHASE
The unique headscarf design uses a single piece of traditional cotton material which comes in four colours. The cloth is folded to cover the head from the brow to the nape of the neck. A single piece of elastic pulls the ends of the cloth together completing the hat and giving a close fit. Further protection is given by tying the fabric ends together.

The headscarves are now on sale at the Big C Centres at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and Norwich City Support Centre on Dereham Road, priced at £4.50. All proceeds go to Support Cambodia with 20% of each sale going back directly to those who made them. The headscarves, also useful for sun protection while gardening or on the beach, are available directly from Support Cambodia at the same price [£4.50] with an extra option to make a small donation to Big C.