Movement aids cancer patients New activities
Staff reporter
A new programme to help cancer patients in Lanarkshire has been launched.
Macmillan Cancer Support are working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Leisure and Culturenl to introduce Move More North Lanarkshire.
The programme has been specifically designed for people affected by cancer and includes walking groups, gardening, gentle movement and circuits-based activity classes.
Research has shown that being active during and after treatment is both safe and hugely beneficial and should be available to everyone with a diagnosis of cancer. The activities, which are all free of charge, will not only help people cope with the side effects of treatment, but also provide an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation that a cancer diagnosis can bring.
Macmillan Cancer Support are investing £800,000 to develop a range of services across North and South Lanarkshire to ensure people affected by cancer have the support they need locally. Move More North Lanarkshire is the first to be launched and more services will follow early next year.
Jillian Ferrie, Culturenl’s chief executive, said “This collaborative approach will ensure that no-one has to face cancer alone. Together we can ensure individuals continue to have the opportunity to experience all aspects of life with a cancer diagnosis.”
Macmillan partnership manager Nici Hill-lyons added: “Traditionally, people have been told that rest was best and while it is right to rest at certain times, it is also really beneficial to get moving too. Research shows that being active during and after treatment can not only help with the side effects but also reduce the loneliness and isolation many people feel.
“We realise people may feel nervous about building up their activity levels, particularly if it’s for the first time after treatment or if they haven’t been very active for a while, which is why Macmillan is working with North Lanarkshire Leisure and Culturenl to provide this programme specifically for those affected by cancer.”
Emma Walker, North Lanarkshire Leisure’s managing director added “This is a fantastic and varied programme which gives people who have been affected by cancer a way to get back into physical activity, whilst providing a superb network of people in a similar situation. We are very proud to be part of this incredible programme and hope that it can help as many people as possible.”
Move More North Lanarkshire is free of charge and available to people living with and beyond cancer as well as their supporters. To find out more call the Move More team on 01236 341968.
For support getting into or back into physical activity you can visit www. macmillan.org.uk/movemore and request an information pack or call our support line on 0808 808 0000.
Pictured (left to right) at the launch of Move More North Lanarkshire is Craig Tobin, Macmillan project manager; Emma Walker, NLL managing director; Karen Robertson, Move More participant; volunteer Ada Harkin; Nici Hill-lyons, Macmillan partnership manager; Kathie Coonagh, health and social care senior officer for North Lanarkshire; Jim Law, cochair of CNL Board; and Dr Anna Campbell, Macmillan’s physical activity advisor.