Health and wellbeing event to launch new programme for those affected by cancer

by
29th February 2016

Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre will be launching its new Cancer Recovery Programme at the sixth ‘Health and Wellbeing event’ in March and anyone who has been affected by the disease is invited to come along.

The Centre, a joint partnership set up by Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is holding the event at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre on Thursday March 17, from 1pm – 3.30pm.

On the day, Macmillan GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG cancer clinical lead, Dr Graeme Allan, will be on hand with information about the new Cancer Recovery Programme. Developed by Macmillan, NHS Southport and Formby CCG, Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and Sefton Council, the programme aims to help local residents move on with life after their hospital treatment. It brings together a wide range of ongoing activities to support those affected by cancer to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.

A large part of the Cancer Recovery Programme, which will be showcased at the event, is ‘Move More’; a wellness and exercise project led by Tess Harrison and Lucy Holmes from Active Lifestyles at Sefton Council. Anyone affected by cancer can be referred to Move More by their GP or cancer nurse specialist and each person’s activity plan is tailored to their individual needs and abilities. On the day of the event there will be a gentle seated exercise taster for those who wish to take part.

Sonia Holdsworth, Macmillan Development Manager, Cheshire West and Merseyside, said: “I’m delighted that people living with and beyond cancer in Southport and Formby will be able to benefit from the new Programme.

“Being more physically active can help people cope with, and recover from, the effects of cancer and its treatment and can also help to prevent the recurrence of some types of cancer. The ‘Move More’ part of the Programme will help people affected by cancer to find effective ways to stay active, no matter where they are on their cancer journey, and have a long-lasting and positive impact on their wellbeing.”

The regular Health and Wellbeing events, run in partnership with Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust aim to support people in adjusting to life with and beyond cancer by providing information on the wide range of services which are available locally as well as healthy living activities.

Anyone affected by cancer, either recently or in the past, as well as family and friends supporting others are welcome to book onto this free event.

The events are friendly and informative and consist of a mixture of talks, activity sessions, pamper sessions and a healthy food demonstration. There is the opportunity for visitors to chat to cancer nurse specialists and key organisations and support groups. The Living Well Centre Singing Group will also be performing during the afternoon.

Past Health and Wellbeing events have been a huge success with around 200 people attending, and the events have received excellent feedback such as:

“I enjoyed having things explained in a bit more detail away from the hospital environment”

“Lots of happy people, good information and advice. I came away feeling much happier. It would be hard to improve on this.”

The Health and Wellbeing events are free of charge and refreshments are provided, but booking is essential. To book onto the next event on Thursday, March 17, 2016, 1pm-3.30pm at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, please call 0151 288 6893 or email:sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net .

Dates of future Health and Wellbeing events are Thursday, June 30, and Thursday November 3, 2016, at the same time and venue.

For more information about the work of the Macmillan Information and Support Centre in Southport, please see the website www.southportmacmillancentre.org.uk

 

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