Specialist Cancer Rehabilitation Exercise Programme Launches at Hartham Leisure Centre
A new specialist cancer rehabilitation exercise programme has been introduced at Hartham Leisure Centre, providing crucial support for local residents living with cancer and those in remission. The initiative aims to help participants rebuild physical strength, confidence, and overall wellbeing during and after their treatment journeys.
Weekly Sessions with Qualified Instruction
The weekly classes, which commenced earlier this month, are delivered every Thursday from 10.30am to 11.15am at Hartham Leisure Centre. The facility is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with East Herts District Council. Sessions are open to adults who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or are in the recovery phase afterwards.
These classes form part of the centre's established exercise referral scheme, with a concessionary cost of just £3.70 for non-members. Each session is led by a level 4 cancer rehabilitation qualified instructor, ensuring all exercises are carefully adapted to individual abilities and are safe to undertake alongside ongoing or previous medical treatments.
Comprehensive Exercise Approach
The programme incorporates a balanced mix of gentle cardiovascular activity, strength and resistance exercises, alongside mobility and balance work. This comprehensive approach is designed to support rehabilitation both before and after surgery or treatment, help manage cancer-related fatigue, and improve overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Sian Sellen, Contract Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Hartham Leisure Centre, who delivers the sessions, emphasised their importance: "These classes are designed to support people at what can be a very challenging time, offering safe, specialist-led exercise in a welcoming and understanding environment."
Supportive Environment and Referral Process
The sessions take place in small, supportive group settings, which not only helps maintain infection control standards but also creates a safe space where participants can speak openly with others facing similar challenges. This aspect of the programme helps significantly reduce social isolation among those affected by cancer.
Referrals to the class are made through a combination of healthcare partners, including organisations such as Macmillan, alongside self-referrals from local residents. This dual approach ensures accessibility for those who might benefit from the programme.
World Cancer Day Awareness Campaign
The programme is being highlighted ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4th to raise awareness about the important role tailored physical activity can play in cancer recovery and rehabilitation. Sellen added: "World Cancer Day provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the support available locally and encourage anyone affected by cancer to take that first step towards rebuilding confidence and strength."
The centre is actively working to increase awareness of these classes to ensure more local residents can benefit from this valuable support service. For further information about the cancer rehabilitation exercise programme, residents are encouraged to contact Hartham Leisure Centre directly.
