Event

Zest for Life Programme for Cancer Patients in Ballymena

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland

Cost: Free

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, is providing a Zest for Life programme for cancer patients in Ballymena.

Zest for Life is a six week personal development programme which is designed to meet the needs of those who are on a recovery period in their cancer journey.

Starting on Wednesday 26th September, the programme will take place at BraidTown Hall,1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, from 10.30am to 1.00pm for six consecutive weeks.

Zest for Life will be facilitated by Cancer Focus’s locally based counsellor,Valerie Magowan, who said, “Zest for Life can help people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis to identify and implement lifestyle changes which will have a positive impact on their physical and mental health.   

“Everyone is unique and we understand that cancer affects everyone differently.  Cancer can make people feel that they have lost control; increase their feelings of isolation and it can often reduce a person’s self-esteem.  Zest for Life aims to help people to understand and manage stress, encourage positive thinking, adopt relaxation techniques and explore complementary therapies. 

“By identifying personal values and realistic goal setting, people often regain a sense of balance and become empowered and motivated to move forward and embrace the future. It also gives them the chance to talk to people who have been through the same experience.”

Elizabeth Fulton (62) from Ballymoney took part in the Zest for Life programme earlier this year. Elizabeth said, “I saw an article in my local newspaper about Zest for Life and I’m glad I booked my place!  I had been diagnosed with bowel cancer and at that stage I was holding back a lot of emotions and at times taking it out on those closest to me.  Many people thought that once my cancer was removed, then I was suddenly better but there are the physical affects of the disease as well as the mental emotions to deal with, long after your treatment has ended.

“Zest for Life helped me put things into perspective.  Cancer Focus’s counsellor, Valerie was very supportive and as the programme is entirely confidential, everyone felt comfortable chatting to others about how they were feeling.  It was encouraging to see that others felt the same as I did and it helped me feel more positive about the future.  I now take everyday as it comes and if I want to do something, I just do it – there’s no point in putting it off!” 

Cancer Focus’s Zest for Life programme will be available in Ballymena thanks to the support and fundraising efforts of Belfast law firm, Cleaver Fulton Rankin.

Alastair Rankin, Director, Cleaver Fulton Rankin said, “We are delighted to support and raise money for Cancer Focus’s Zest for Life programme where we can make a direct and tangible contribution to help cancer patients.

Zest for Life is entirely confidential and takes place in a safe and caring environment. Materials will be provided for participants and like all Cancer Focus services, the programme is free of charge.

For further information or to book your place please contact Toby Wheeler on 028 9068 0751 or e-mail [email protected]  We would encourage anyone interested in taking part to pre-book as there are a limited number of places available.

For more information on Cancer Focus click on www.cancerfocusni.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @CancerFocusNI

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For further information please contact:

Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Manager, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118

Or

Derval McVerry, PR and Events Officer, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07812525531

 

Date and Time

Location

Braid Town Hall
1-29 Bridge Street
Ballymena
United Kingdom

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Contact Details

Toby Wheeler

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