More places available for Walking and Social Programme for people affected by Cancer

Thanks to funding from NHS Charities Together the scheme is delivered across the BCP region by registered charity BH Live.

It is aimed at local older people (aged 65 and over) who have been affected by cancer. In particular, those who are living with, or recovering from cancer. It is also open to older people who are supporting a loved one living with cancer.

The sessions include gentle walking with elements of strength and mobility. Refreshments are provided afterwards, allowing participants to chat with others.

Sessions have been taking place across Bournemouth’s Littledown Centre and BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen and the team has heard some very motivating participant stories. One participant shared; "I had never joined a group like this before and really wish that one had been available earlier… I was first diagnosed with lymphoma tumours about six years ago. Two such episodes were treated with chemo and radiotherapy, and I am currently recovering from surgery… I was always anxious about ‘working out’ and these sessions have eased my mind as I’ve realised I ‘can do it’ at a manageable pace and level… I am really grateful for having a local group like this to attend and feel that others who have cancer, or other long-term health conditions would benefit similarly."

Participants are asked to contribute £2.50 per session to take part. Any surplus revenue generated from the programme is reinvested back into the programme to deliver future sessions.

Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager for BH Live runs BH Live’s diverse programme of health and wellbeing activities across the BCP region to encourage more people into physical activity. She said; “Regular physical activity and talking about experiences can help people feel more in control of their own physical health and wellbeing – especially after an unexpected diagnosis. We’re so pleased to be able to support our participants through their mental and physical recovery through these sessions.”

Jon Goodwin, Head of Grants at NHS Charities Together, said:

“As the charity caring for the NHS, we're dedicated to improving healthcare for everyone and providing extra support to help the NHS go further. We're pleased that as a result of our funding, patients and their loved ones who are affected by cancer can come together and spend time focusing on their physical and mental well-being. It’s so important everyone across the UK gets that chance to access services like this, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances."

All of the BH Live Active instructors who deliver the exercise sessions are Level 4 Cancer Rehabilitation qualified through BH Live’s employee learning and development programme.

Distributed through Active Dorset and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, the funding to enable BH Live to deliver these sessions has come from the Dorset Health Village Small Grants Fund, part of NHS Charities Together. Available to Not-for-profit organisations only, the purpose of this funding is to increase physical activity opportunities for people living in Dorset who are affected by cancer.

For more information about the programme and to register interest, residents aged 65+ are invited to contact BH Live’s Health and Wellbeing team at communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk.