Thrive & Survive

Cancer Thriving & Surviving Programme is a self-management programme developed by Standford University. This programme offers you a sense of confidence and a chance to learn self-management skills when moving on from your cancer treatment. One class per week for a period of 6 weeks. Each class is 2.5 hours. This programme is led by health professionals and cancer survivors who have taken special training.

Techniques to deal with problems such as:

• Getting better sleep
• Nutrition
• Managing frustration, fatigue, or pain
• Setting priorities
• Making decisions about treatment
• Relationships
• Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
• Regaining and maintaining physical flexibility and endurance

Empower: Menopause & Cancer Survivorship Programme

This is an eight week in-person survivorship group programme for those impacted by chemically and surgically induced menopause as a result of cancer treatments. Participants watch pre-recorded modules by expert contributors who address the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms generally experienced. Participants also spend time with other with similar experiences for support. It is a place for people to share their experiences, feelings and knowledge, with the confidence that everything said is confidential.

Topics discussed:

• Anxiety
• Brain fog
• Diet
• Exercise/physical activity
• Explaining the physical and psychological symptoms
• How to manage symptoms such as fatigue
• Losses associated with menopause and cancer, and sexual intimacy
• Mood
• Nutrition
• Sleep disturbance

Women’s Group

This is a confidential support group where women come together to share experiences, emotions, and challenges in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. They can express their concerns, questions and experiences while living with a cancer diagnosis. This group is facilitated by a female counsellor.

Early Menopause Group

A programme which provides information to women experiencing an early menopause because of their cancer treatment. Among other things, the programme includes information on diet, exercise, dealing with symptoms and sexuality. It is also an opportunity for women to get together and share in their knowledge and experience.

Men’s Group 

This group helps your understanding of your diagnosis, providing information on dealing with the side effects of treatment such as continence issues and altered sexual function. It is a practical group with information on strategies to improve your wellbeing. It is also an opportunity to share in the knowledge and experience of other men.

Walking Programme

This is a group walking programme that meet on a Monday morning at the Cuisle centre. Their aim is to gradually increase fitness through distance and pace, so every level is welcome. Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life for cancer survivors and is hugely beneficial both physically and mentally.