Zest programme for cancer patients to start in Lisburn

Zest for Life is a six week personal development programme which helps people make lifestyle changes to enhance their physical and mental health. It is being provided, free of charge, for any person who has been diagnosed with cancer – recently or in the past.

Starting on Thursday, October 6, the programme will take place in the Marie Curie Day Centre at Lagan Valley Hospital, from 10am -1pm for six consecutive weeks.

The programme is being facilitated by UCF counsellor Effie Cairns, who said, “Zest for Life can help people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis to identify and implement lifestyle changes which will have a positive impact on their physical and mental health.

“Everyone is unique and we understand that cancer affects everyone differently. Cancer can make people feel that they have lost control and increase feelings of isolation. It can also often reduce a person’s self-esteem.

“Zest for life aims to help people to understand and manage stress, encourage positive thinking, adopt relaxation techniques and explore complementary therapies.

“By identifying personal values and realistic goal setting, people often regain a sense of balance and become empowered and motivated to move forward and embrace the future.” One cancer survivor said, “Zest for Life does just what is says – it’s wonderful. It gave me time out from family responsibilities, time to look at and sort out the imbalances in my life, get advice on how to deal with problems, and it gave me the chance to talk to people who had been through the same thing.

“The nurturing you get from the tutor is absolutely terrific, and I think it’s particularly important to have that extra support in place for when you finish your cancer treatment.”

UCF aims to bring Zest for Life to other venues throughout Northern Ireland during 2011 so that people who have been affected by a diagnosis of cancer can access this valuable service in their own community.

The Zest for Life programme is entirely confidential and takes place in a safe and caring environment. Materials will be provided for participants and like all UCF services, the programme is free of charge.

For further information or to book your place please contact Leonne Morrison at UCF on 9068 0751 or email [email protected]. UCF would encourage anyone who is interested in taking part to please pre-book their place as there are a limited number available.