Council helps residents live a more active and BETTER life with cancer

Residents living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis are being invited to take part in a new weekly physical activity class, thanks to a partnership between Cambridge City Council and BETTER.

Adults currently undergoing treatment for cancer, their carers, and residents who have previously undergone treatment are all welcome to participate in the new class at Cherry Hinton Village Centre. 

The class will take place every Friday from 6 July between 10.30am and 12 noon. Participants are invited to join in for between 30-90 minutes, taking part in the activity at their own pace and working within their own fatigue levels. 

The class will start with 30 minutes of seated exercise, progressing to 30 minutes of standing work and ending with half an hour of active sport, such as table tennis or a brisk walk. 

All 30 minute sessions will end with an opportunity to have a hot drink and a chat to fellow participants. The classes will cost just £3 for up to 90 minutes of activity. 

There is growing evidence which shows the benefits that regular physical activity can have to cancer patients.  These include reducing tiredness, reducing anxiety and depression, improving mood and quality of life as well as strengthening muscles, joints, bones and heart and reducing the risk of other health problems developing.

The class is being introduced as part of the council’s new Physical Activity Action Plan and as part of ongoing work to provide more physical activity opportunities, specifically for adults living with long term conditions. 

Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “The council is committed to providing a wide variety of services to help improve the quality of life for residents living with long-term conditions and this initiative assists in helping meet this commitment. 

“As the number of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis continues to grow, it is important that we are able to provide support to residents to help them live independent and fully active lives. This is particularly important as the evidence for the benefits of physical activity to cancer patients becomes better understood.”

Any patient currently undergoing cancer treatment will require a referral to the class from a health professional.  For more information on obtaining a referral or to check eligibility and suitability for the class, please contact the council’s exercise referral team by emailing: startup@cambridge.gov.uk or by calling 01223 458646.

For more details about the council’s Exercise Referral Scheme, including a men-only cancer rehabilitation class that is already running at Hills Road Sports and Tennis Centre, please visit: www.cambridge.gov.uk/startup