A new physical activity programme has been launched to help Bedford Borough’s cancer prehab/rehab patients and anyone experiencing other long-term health conditions access gentle physical activity and “exercise at their own pace”.
The ‘Active Wellbeing’ sessions are being organised by Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Team, in partnership with Be Active and are due to start on Monday, 27 February 2023 at John Bunyan Sports and Fitness Centre.
Their aim is to bridge the gap between recovery and full participation, and are ideal for people who are preparing for or recovering from treatment or a long-term health condition and have been advised that physical activity will be beneficial.
The sessions will provide a very gentle entry-level class hosted by Larissa Clarke of Transition Coaching who is qualified to work with people with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions.
There will also be advice and guidance to help people progress to more demanding activities.
Cllr Doug McMurdo (Independent, Sharnbrook), Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said, “When illness leads to a reduction of activity it can be challenging to get back into exercise.
“These sessions offer a great opportunity for people in our community with a long-term illness to get back to regular exercise at their own pace.”
Research has shown that being physically active during and after treatment is a positive step to recovery, with Macmillan Cancer Support finding, “it may help you manage the late effects of treatment. It may also reduce the risk of certain cancers coming back”.
The sessions are funded by Sport England with the Together Fund. The Together Fund is targeted to deal with issues caused by coronavirus. It aims to support organisations working with priority audiences.
For more information on the programme and how to register, please visit bedford.gov.uk. You can also find information on cancer support groups at macmillan.org.uk.
