A new programme to help cancer patients in Renfrewshire become more active has launched yesterday.
Macmillan Cancer Support has invested nearly £130,000 to develop Move More Renfrewshire in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure. The programme has been specifically designed for people affected by cancer and includes walking groups, gardening, gentle movement and circuits-based activity classes.
Helping people who have been diagnosed with cancer to ‘move more’ is a key focus for Macmillan. Extensive 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’s Strategic Partnership Manager Trisha Hatt, said: “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 Renfrewshire Leisure to provide this programme specifically for those affected by cancer.”
Chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure Joyce McKellar said: “We have first-class sporting facilities throughout Renfrewshire along with staff who are caring and skilled at helping people of all ages and abilities to get fit and healthy.
“We’ll do all we can to help people affected by cancer in their treatment and recovery. Keeping active can be a great boost psychologically and emotionally as well as physically.”
Paisley MSP George Adam said: “It is vitally important that we do all we can to help ensure our citizens living with cancer are as fit and healthy as possible.
“Circuit classes and walking groups are some of the activities run by Move More Renfrewshire, not only encouraging people to get active and improve their physical health, but also encouraging cancer patients to widen their circle of friends, support each other and look after their mental health too.
“The fact that these activities are provided free of charge is a massive bonus – no one dealing with or recovering from a cancer diagnosis should be discouraged from getting out there, meeting new people, and developing their confidence because of financial burden.
“I wholeheartedly support this initiative and know it will make all the difference to my constituents in Paisley, and wider Renfrewshire.”
Move More participant Jill Jamieson said: “Move More Renfrewshire has really helped me build my confidence back up after treatment, while also helping me get back to everyday things.”
Move More Renfrewshire is supported by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Renfrewshire Leisure and Paths for All.
Activities are free and available to people living with and beyond cancer as well as their supporters. To find out more call the Move More Renfrewshire team on: 0141 618 4082 or movemore@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
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.