Cancer nursing teams and primary care teams can refer into the programme, as well as patients completing a self-referral.
Tess Harrison, Cancer Rehabilitation Exercise specialist and lead on the CAN-Move Programme said:
“We feel really pleased to have been able to support patients for over 10 years now on CAN-Move. The programmes main aim has always been to make exercise and physical activity part of everyone’s cancer care in Salford. Research highlights the positive impact it can have for people during and after treatment, with benefits including; management of treatment side effects, aiding in recovery and helping to reduce recurrence risk . It should always be classed as part of someone’s treatment, not just as an ‘add on’. Our variety of CAN-Move sessions are offered in a relaxed environment and tailored to support different treatment side effects and other health needs the patient may have, making exercise enjoyable and safe.”
The CAN-Move programme includes; supervised gym sessions, all ability circuit classes, tai chi and qigong and dance fitness classes. Also online activities such as gentle yoga, strength and cardio classes. Swimming and other water based sessions, as well as outdoor sessions including; wellbeing gardening activities at RHS Garden Bridgewater and Wellbeing Walks.
Being linked into a supportive community group, many clients feel the benefits from the social side of taking part and meeting others with similar experiences to theirs and forming new friendships.
One CAN-Move client said:
“I can’t get this kind of support anywhere else. People don’t ask daft questions about why I wear a head scarf or comment on my appearance because everyone knows what’s going on without having to ask.”
More recent feedback from clients:
“I’m going to continue with the gym and the classes I attend and aim to run 5k. The programme has given me the confidence to start training for this. I’ve been very happy with the programme it’s really helped to motivate me to exercise after treatment and encouragement from instructors and other people in sessions, has been vital for this.”
“It’s been lifesaving. If I hadn’t done this, I would be just at home feeling sorry for myself and never getting better.”
For more info and how to self-refer:
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