A programme which helps local people affected by cancer is back up and running following its suspension due to the pandemic. And, thanks to innovative partnership working, locals are set to get more support following a cancer diagnosis.

We have a long-running partnership with Maggie’s – the UK-wide cancer support charity – and together we have been offering physical activity cancer support programmes from the Maggie’s Centre at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.

However, services were halted due to the pandemic but are being restarted alongside the launch of a new initiative, Prehabilitation, designed to ‘Get yourself ready’ to help those pre-cancer treatment, regardless of stage of cancer or prognosis. To support the new programme, Maggie’s has launched a video which our instructors have taken part in.

Jamie Mason, health and wellbeing co-ordinator, said: “The health and wellbeing team have a great partnership with Maggie’s, we work with the team in its centre in Kirkcaldy to deliver talks to groups about how being active before, during and after treatment has huge benefits on physical and mental health following a cancer diagnosis.

“This relationship has created a pathway for the team at Maggie’s to sign post anyone looking for support in accessing a physical activity programme to us. We provide specialist exercise programmes delivered by cancer rehab qualified instructors that allows people to get the support they need.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic meant we had to pause the programme, but we are delighted to say we are back up and running and can support more people than ever coming through the doors at Maggie’s.”

Prehab has just launched across all eight Maggie’s centres in Scotland– it is a 90-minute workshop for those who have been given a cancer diagnosis and have not yet begun treatment, whether that is surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or best supportive care.

Alison Allan, centre head Fife, for Maggie’s said: “Prehabilitation – ‘getting yourself ready’ is designed to engage those with a cancer diagnosis and their families on the benefits of managing your own emotional and psychological wellbeing, making good nutritional choices, and increasing physical activity, signposting other support available prior to someone starting their treatment journey.

“Evidence shows that changes made before treatments start, have a beneficial effect maintaining control, minimising side effects and promoting recovery during and after treatments. The short film we have produced to support the launch of Prehab outlines the features of the programme and its benefits – I’d encourage anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis to take a look. And, of course, the Maggie’s and trust’s teams are there to offer support and advice for local communities, so I’d encourage people to contact us for help.”

People are being encouraged to watch the video above or to click here to visit Maggie’s website for further details.