H.O.P.E. Course

Life can be tough when you are living with cancer or even after treatment ends
No one should have to face these feelings alone
Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (H.O.P.E)
Helping you, to get more out of life

What is H.O.P.E?

H.O.P.E is a licensed programme developed by Coventry University and Macmillan Cancer Support to help people who have had/or have cancer to get on with their lives. It is an interactive, group based, self management support course, which runs for 6 weeks, with each weekly session lasting 2.5 hours. It is for groups of between 6 and 12 and is free to attend.  To get the best out of the course you do need to be committed to attending the whole six week course. 

The sessions are run by trained H.O.P.E facilitators who are either health or social care professionals or trained volunteers who have had a cancer experience.

Who is it for?

Adults, aged 18 and over, who are coming to the end of treatment/surgery or have recently completed it or anyone living with and beyond cancer.

How will the course benefit you?

The course concentrates on focusing and rediscovering your inner strengths and resilience to help you cope emotionally, psychologically and practically. Time is spent in facilitated discussions, group activities, information sharing and tools for you to try at home in between each session.

The course deals with:

  • Goal setting and action planning

  • Looking for solutions to problems

  • Stress management (e.g. mindfulness and relaxation)

  • Fatigue management

  • Identifying your strengths

  • Becoming more positive, grateful and appreciating life more

  • Healthy lifestyles (e.g. eating more healthily and physical activity)

  • Prioritising the important things in life

  • Fear of cancer recurrence

  • Body image and relationships

  • Communication skills

The courses are held at the church hall in Rushmere St Andrew. To find out more or book onto a course, please visit the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre or tel: 01473 715748.

 

A selection of feedback from participants in HOPE courses:

“I was feeling very lonely before the course, but have made some new friends to keep in touch with”

“I found it really helpful sharing our experiences with each other”

“I learnt some really useful relaxation techniques”

“I have gained more confidence”

“I learnt how to pace myself better”

“I have joined one of the exercise classes we were told about, which I am looking forward too”

“I really enjoyed the doing the weekly goal setting, it has encouraged me to move forward”

“This course has changed my life – Thank you so much”

“I now feel less angry”

“Knowing I am not alone with my feelings has really helped me”

“I am really shy and not keen on groups but the facilitators were such great support”

“I found the first week hard as I didn’t know anyone, but then really looked forward to the next week”

 

Online workshops for cancer patients & carers (Wellbeing Suffolk)

For people living in Suffolk: Click the image below to download a copy.