FOLLOWING the success of ‘Moving Forward’ and ‘New Perspectives’ programmes designed to support those affected by cancer, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is delighted to offer a further two programmes providing this support.
The first of these is the Macmillan HOPE (Helping to Overcome Problems Effectively) Self-management Course which has been developed by Coventry University and has been tailored specifically for cancer patients by Macmillan Cancer Support.
This course is led by people who have had personal experience of cancer themselves and health care professionals. The sessions will help cancer patients look at ways to help manage the day-to-day impact of living with cancer. The course emphasis is on the strengths participants already possess and the sessions will help cancer patients manage their symptoms better, dealing with emotions, managing tiredness and provide tips on how to communicate with doctors, health workers and family and friends. It will provide the opportunity to learn and share with people who are also living with cancer and to refocus on inner strengths and develop resilience.
HOPE tutors delivering the course say ““it is an invaluable course that encourages people to make practical and positive steps forward. Bringing people together who have gone through similar experiences is a very positive and powerful way of helping people who have been diagnosed with cancer regain their confidence.”
The course will commence with an information session on Tuesday 6 November at 7.00pm and will run for six weekly sessions from 13 November to 18 December (7.00pm-9.30pm), at the Signal Centre, Balloo Road, Bangor, Co Down.
In addition to this, the Trust is continuing to run its ‘Moving Forward’ programme. This programme deals with many of the issues covered in the HOPE course as well as a range of other issues which are common to those affected by cancer. This programme is available to those who are either undergoing treatment or who are continuing to feel the effects of cancer.
The ‘Moving Forward’ programme will be run in two locations. The first of these is in the Signal Centre, Balloo Road, Bangor and also commences on 13 November (7.00pm – 9.30pm). The second will take place on Tuesday 27 November 2012 (7.00pm – 9.30pm) in Laganview Enterprise Centre, 69 Drumbeg Drive, Lisburn, BT28 1NY. These sessions will run approximately once a month.
Various sessions are also open to family and friends. People can either attend all of these sessions or just those which they feel are most relevant to them. Both courses are free of charge.
Places are available for both courses. If you wish to receive more detailed information or to book a place, contact: Karen Kelly, Macmillan Information and Support Manager, Macmillan Information Centre, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, BT16 1RH, Tel: (028) 9055 3246. Email: macmillan.
