Council Relaunches Exercise Referral Programme to Support Those with Cancer

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has relaunched its cancer exercise referral programme, which will commence at leisure centres in Newry and Downpatrick in September.

The 12-week programme - which supports the Council’s healthy living objectives by promoting long-term physical activity and providing structured opportunities for adults living with cancer and beyond - is aligned with the organisation’s existing Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) and will run alongside the successful existing Move More initiative.

Council approved the re-establishment of the cancer exercise programme at its monthly meeting on 7 September.

Since its original launch, the Move More programme has developed into an ongoing physical activity class, with participants remaining in the programme for extended periods, with the classes becoming accessible to a wider range of people.

As part of the Council’s district-wide review of sports development and health and wellbeing provision, consideration was given to current participant attendance, delivery arrangements and similar cancer physical activity referral models operating elsewhere in Northern Ireland.

The review identified an opportunity to re-establish a structured cancer referral and progression pathway in Newry, Mourne and Down, while retaining the existing Move More classes as an ongoing physical activity opportunity.

Move More will be retained within the Council’s Be Active for Life timetable at Newry and Down Leisure Centres as an open, lower level physical activity and progression class, with detailed referral, eligibility, screening and operational arrangements finalised by Council officers in consultation with relevant health and social care partners.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “The return of the cancer exercise referral initiative will provide people living with cancer with structured support to become more physically active in a safe and welcoming environment, helping them improve both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

"Physical activity can play an important role in supporting people through and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Reinstating this programme demonstrates the Council's commitment to providing accessible opportunities that help residents improve their health, build confidence and enhance their quality of life."

Cllr Hanna said the cancer exercise referral programme reflects the Council’s desire to ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from being physically active, regardless of the challenges they may face.

He added: “We are pleased to relaunch this important service and strengthen the support available to people across the district living with and beyond cancer."