Just four weeks into the New Year, the Macmillan Prevention and Re-enablement project has already directly engaged with over 70 older people, sharing with them the support that is available for people who are living with and beyond cancer; the benefits of in engaging in activity and the activities and services that are available to them across Bristol.
On Monday 15th January, Project Manager Sally Crocker was pleased to attend and give a talk at the Prospect Bristol and District Cancer Support group meeting. Prospect is a support group for prostate cancer patients, their partners and carers. The meeting is held at BAWA every other month, providing a local informal place where people’s personal experiences of treatments can be exchanged. Sally was overwhelmed by the warm welcome from this group, and her talk on the project and the benefits to engaging in physical activity were met by much agreement, questions and friendly discussion.
Saturday 20th January saw the project host a Macmillan Cancer Awareness ‘Lunch and Learn’ for activity providers and professionals who deliver activities to people over the age of 55. The morning session was delivered by Jill Scott, Macmillan Learning and Development Manager, and aimed to provide cancer awareness information and guidance to physical activity for people during and after cancer treatment. On the morning we were pleased to be joined by Bristol Rugby, Active Ageing Bristol, Lockleaze Hub and Bristol Jets Badminton.
The morning of Thursday 25th January was spent manning the Macmillan project stall in Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre entrance on Level 4. This is a regular spot for the project to set up and provide information to people who are coming in for their treatment, appointments, or to visit the The Cancer Information and Support Centre.
Later that afternoon, the project attended Bristol Charities Greater Brislington Over 50’s Forum at St Cuthberts Church Hall. The Forum is a newly formed group of passionate Brislington residents who meet 2 – 3.30pm, every 4th Thursday of the Month at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, that aims to help to develop and deliver what local people want. A talk on the Macmillan project and the support available for older people, was met with questions about upcoming Wellbeing events for South Bristol (proposed for late May 2018).
If you are interested in finding out more about the project, are interested in attending future training sessions, or would like the project to speak at your local community group, then please contact Sally Crocker on 0117 353 3042.