Macmillan offers free programme in Aberystwyth to help with cancer’s emotional impact
Written by Al Frean on 31 May 2017
Macmillan Cancer Support is offering people affected by cancer an opportunity to take control of their diagnosis and move forward positively as they face living with cancer in 2017.
Macmillan is holding a free self-management programme in Aberystwyth for anyone living with and beyond cancer to help them manage the emotional impact of their diagnosis.
Called HOPE, the programme will run for two days at the Morlan Centre on Queens Road. The programme will be held on Thursday 22 and Thursday 29 June from 10am to 4.15pm, with a follow-up day on Thursday 14 September from 11am to 3pm.
HOPE is designed to help people affected by cancer manage the day-to-day impact of their condition, learn proactive ways to take control of their health and wellbeing in a supportive environment and set positive goals for the future.
Since its launch in 2013, Macmillan has successfully run HOPE programmes throughout Wales with more planned for this year.
Topics the HOPE programme focuses on include managing fatigue and stress, exploring character strengths and priorities as well as living positively with the fear of recurrence.
The course helped Gavin Weller with his transition back into work after his cancer treatment in 2016. Gavin said: “HOPE helped me appreciate that you’re never entirely on your own.
“The goal-setting at the end of each session and reflecting on our achievements at the start of the next session really gave us a focus and you could see us collectively evolve into emotionally stronger and balanced people as a result.”
Gwen Davies attended the HOPE Programme in 2015 and said: “I’d go on another programme if I had the opportunity, it really was fantastic. It makes such a difference speaking to people who know what you’re going through.
“You find yourself asking ‘is this normal?’ and it’s such a comfort to have people with answers.”
Susan Morris, Head of Services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “We at Macmillan know that receiving a cancer diagnosis has a huge emotional impact.
“Around 19,000 people receive the devastating news that they have cancer every year in Wales and they need more than medical help – they also need practical, emotional and financial support.
“Macmillan is delighted with the success of the programme and we’re pleased to continue to offer HOPE to people affected by cancer in Wales.
“I would strongly recommend the programme as it can provide people with the tools they need to manage the emotional consequences of living with cancer.”
People wishing to attend the programme must register in advance.
To register, please contact Genette Webster on 01656 867960 or email gwebster@macmillan.org.uk.
Macmillan can only fund programmes such as this thanks to the generosity of the public.
To find out more about how you can help, call 0300 1000 200 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising.
Photo: Gwen Davies (centre) a HOPE Programme participant with HOPE Facilitators Mary Taylor and Helen Dorman
