Cancer patients encouraged to ‘Move More’ through innovative new scheme
Thu, September 26, 2019
People living with cancer are set to benefit from a new partnership between Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The award-winning ‘Move More’ project promotes the positive effects of physical activity before, during and after cancer treatment, and offers free tailored support to encourage people to become more active.
Since its launch a few weeks ago, over 50 individuals have already signed up and it’s already making a positive difference to their lives.
To mark its successful introduction to the area, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council hosted a World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for staff on Wednesday 25th September. This annual initiative raises vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, which allow the charity to provide vital support services, including Move More.
Welcoming the initiative, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: “Evidence has proven that active lifestyles can help prevent and manage some of the effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, depression and risks to heart health. With the support of a specialist Co-ordinator, the ‘Move More’ project is set to change the lives of those living with cancer for the better.
“We are looking forward to working alongside Macmillan Cancer Support to ensure that local people impacted by cancer receive guidance and motivation to maintain active lifestyles, which can aid their overall wellbeing.”
Heather Monteverde, Head of Services for Macmillan in Northern Ireland said: “There are 63,000 people living with cancer in NI - almost one in two of us will experience cancer at some point in our lifetime. Physical activity is safe during and after most types of cancer treatment and can help to reduce the side effects of this treatment, prevent the occurrence of other long-term conditions, and reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning. We are delighted to celebrate the introduction of Move More in the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council area.”
Move More Coordinator, Catherine Bell-Allen, has spent more than 20 years in the fitness industry, and brings previous experience of working with people with cancer to the role.
Catherine said: “We’re really pleased to have this opportunity to deliver these specialist activity programmes to help everyone living with a cancer diagnosis. It doesn’t matter what type, or where you are in your journey, we can help tailor a programme to suit you and allow you to take back control. We can also help with access to a wide range of resources and top-class leisure facilities.”
“Crucially, the project provides an opportunity to meet other people living with cancer, which can helping to address loneliness and isolation.
“The physical activity opportunities can be group-based or individually designed depending on needs. It can be anything from going to the gym, walking, sports classes, gardening, swimming or anything that gets people moving more.”
The Move More programme won the prestigious 2018 Coaching for an Active Life Award at the UK Coaching Awards. The scheme was among great competition with other finalists in various categories including Gareth Southgate for his coaching in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and England Netball Head Coach, Tracey Neville MBE.
Many thanks to those who donated items for the coffee morning including Darren Gardiner, Ground Espresso Bar, Coleraine, Tesco in Ballymoney, Bob & Berts, Ballymoney, Move More Participants from Causeway Coast and Glens and Melanie Orr, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the ‘Move More’ scheme please email Move.more@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or ring 07597 399765.
