Recovering cancer patients and their carers are being invited to join a 'walk and talk' group in Peterlee.
Elizabeth Cook, Health Improvement Practitioner, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: "The walk and talk support group is for people recovering from cancer and their carers. A gentle walk could reduce cancer related fatigue and stress/anxiety as well as improving low moods. We would like to encourage clients to join the group for support and gentle exercise.
"The walks are led by staff and volunteers from the cancer information team who have all participated in walk leader training. We have set up the group based on research findings that being active with other people can really make a difference during recovery.
"The Walk Talk group we have established enables our client participants to do this. We have planned our walks using the centre here in Peterlee as the starting point. Before going out on walks with the others we ask everyone to check with their GP whether they are fit / well enough to get involved, and ask that they complete a health check form prior to the walk.
Since its launch in April a small group of people have enjoyed these short walks and benefited from the support they received from staff, volunteers and other group members.
The Walk and Talk Group leaves The Cancer Information Centre 20 Upper Chare, Castledene Shopping Centre, Peterlee on the last Thursday of every month at 2pm.
To find out more about the walks and book a place, please contact Elizabeth Cook, Health Improvement Practitioner on 0800 7834056 from Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm
published 16th August 2012
'Care received was fantastic and I was very well looked after and very impressed.'
Patient, Day Surgery, Darlington Memorial Hospital