Zest for Life Programme for Cancer Patients in Newtownards

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 Friday 28th September, the programme will take place at the Day Therapy Room, Newtownards Community Hospital, from 2.00pm to 4.30pm for six consecutive weeks.

Zest for Life will be facilitated by Cancer Focus’s locally based counsellor, Dr. Karen Doherty, 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.”

Linda McIlwrath (44) who has signed up to take part in the Zest for Life programme said, “Last year I was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer - leiomyosarcoma.  Following my treatment, I used Cancer Focus’s counselling service which helped me so much.  My counsellor, Karen, who will also be facilitating the Zest for Life programme, recommended that I take part so that I could meet others who are in or who have been through a similar situation as this can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve quality of life.  I’m really looking forward to the Zest for Life programme and I hope that it helps me move forward and embrace the future.”

 Cancer Focus’s Zest for Life programme will be available in Newtownards 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