Partner Article

Improving the quality of life of people living with cancer through community projects

Northern Cancer Alliance has awarded £200,000 to support more than 30 community projects across the North East and North Cumbria to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer.

Delivering on the key ambitions of the National Cancer Plan, the funding, in partnership with Point North, has gone to charities and community groups to support neighbourhood initiatives that boost people’s health and wellbeing.

Three of the projects are with rowing clubs in County Durham, Newcastle and Teesside to run group sessions, while others include exercise classes, complementary therapies and a series of walks. No previous experience is required for any of the projects.

The bulk of the funds – around £193,000 – support these prehabilitation projects that help people feel physically and mentally stronger and more able to cope with the strains of cancer treatment.

Research shows that patients who are fitter are more likely to spend less time in hospital and recover sooner. They are also less likely to need follow-up care, helping teams to treat more people more quickly and free up resources

These prehabilitation projects will work with cancer teams at local hospital trusts.

The remainder of the funds support activities run by small, local charitable groups which connect people with communities and include opportunities to learn about healthy habits, share experiences and get involved with seated exercise sessions.

Clare Doney, Clinical Lead for Living with and Beyond Cancer at Northern Cancer Alliance, said: “These community projects help realise the National Cancer Plan’s aim of improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer. They also contribute to patients being better prepared for treatment, while improving outcomes from treatment.

“With more and more people impacted, it’s vital that they have access to support where and when they need it.

“Charitable organisations are embedded in communities and are best placed to deliver these inclusive projects which can make such a positive difference. Not only will these activities improve people’s physical and mental health, they will foster togetherness and a sense of belonging.

“We were delighted with the response to our call for funds applications and look forward to seeing the projects develop and the benefits they will bring.”

Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive of Point North, said: “A cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down. In those moments, people often turn to local community organisations for reassurance, practical support and guidance. These groups are there through the toughest times, offering comfort, connection and hope to people and their loved ones.

“This funding allows charities to step up their work and strengthen relationships with local NHS trusts, helping to ensure that anyone affected by cancer can access the right support close to home, surrounded by their community. Together with Northern Cancer Alliance, we’re making sure that support reaches the people and places that need it most.”

The National Cancer Plan sets out a long-term approach to improving cancer outcomes, experience and equity over the next decade.

Prehabilitation projects funded

County Durham

Durham Amateur Rowing Club – Prehabilitation Rowing Project

Butterwick Hospice Limited – Comprehensive Cancer Support

Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust – Team Solan Wellness Project

Gateshead

Acheinu Cancer Support – Shabbos Noam Haneshomos

Healthworks – Cancer Prehab

Fighting All Cancers Together – Cancer Related Poverty Support

Newcastle

Tyne Amateur Rowing Club – Rowing classes

MOVE – MOVE Against Cancer

Healthworks – Cancer Prehab

St Oswald's Hospice – Focus on Living

Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) – Healthwise iCANmove

North Cumbria

ICan Wellbeing Group – 12 x 4–week Wellbeing courses

Flynne’s Barn – Residentials for young people in Cumbria

North and South Tees

Tees Rowing Club – Improving Wellbeing through Rowing

Tees Active Ltd – Active Wellness

Red Balloons – Connect to Wellbeing

Blind Tiger CiC – The Infinite Hercules Walk

North Tyneside

Sarah's Star – Sarah's Star Project

YMCA North Tyneside – Cancer Rehab/Prehab Programme

Live Well with Cancer – Live Well with Prehab

Sunderland and South Tyneside

Healthworks – Cancer Prehab

North East Dance CIC – Vital Moves

Keep Active NE CIC – Wellbeing Waves

Connect with communities projects funded

County Durham

Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust – Warrior Support Coffee Mornings

North and South Tees

Yarm Wellness – To support a Stoma Support Session

The Hartlepool Hospice Ltd (T/A Alice House Hospice) – Towards hosting the 'HOPE Course

North Tyneside

Live Well with Cancer – Live Well with Healthy Habits Masterclasses

Sarah's Star – Gratitude & Peer Support Group

Northumberland

Cygnus Support Ltd – Cygnus Cancer Connect

Sunderland and South Tyneside

MelanomaMe – Wellness with Melanoma

Together We Can: Northeast – Sittercise: seated exercise sessions

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Point North .