People who’ve been treated for cancer in the north-east are being invited to dance, sing, or take part in mindfulness sessions to help re-build their confidence.
Local cancer and haematology charity Friends of ANCHOR has launched three tailored workshops to support patients on their treatment or recovery journey.
The workshops, which are being badged Confident You by the charity, are completely free and are open to anyone who has received a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis.
There are three options to choose from: Fancy a Dance workshops, Find Your Voice singing sessions, and a Mindfulness course.
Laura Pike is the musical director for the charitys Find your voice singing sessions
Former ANCHOR Unit patient Moira Stewart has sampled the dancing sessions, which are led by dance instructor Laura Booth.
She said: “Laura is a fantastic tutor – she is very approachable and smiley – she puts you at ease and her classes are a real confidence booster. Laura includes everyone and is a brilliant encourager – she makes you feel good about what you’re doing and she has a knack for getting everyone involved.
“Any patient would be made to feel welcome – the classes aren’t overwhelming; they’re very user-friendly and completely inclusive.”
The mood-boosting, stress-relieving dance sessions focus on getting attendees moving and grooving so they can reap the scientifically proven benefits of music and movement.
If singing is more up a patient’s street, they can sign up to the Find Your Voice sessions instead.
The weekly choir-style group is led by local musical director Laura Pike, who’s expertise will bring patients out of their shell – even if they’ve only ever sung in the shower or alone when they’re in the car.
Laura Booth offers free dance workshops for ANCHOR Unit patients via Friends of ANCHOR
Laura Pike has a proven track record with Friends of ANCHOR choirs, as she produced a Courage on the Catwalk and Brave alumni choir for the charity last year.
It featured models who had previously taken part in the charity’s catwalk shows, and the choir made its debut performance to an audience of 900 people at P&J Live.
For patients who want to work on their inner confidence instead, Confident You offers an introduction to the practice of mindfulness.
The Mindfulness course has been specially tailored to the needs of patients, to help them cope with difficult emotions, and improve the quality of their sleep.
The sessions are delivered online by accredited tutor Louise Martin, who has been offering this well-established course within Friends of ANCHOR for several years.
Participant Moira Stewart enjoying one of the dancing workshops offered by Friends of ANCHOR
It allows participants to learn practical techniques to enhance their feeling of wellbeing, relaxation and sleep – and because it’s hosted online via Zoom, they can take part from the comfort of their own home.
All Confident You workshops are free to attend and are part of the charity’s mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by cancer or a blood disorder in the north of Scotland.
Vicki Youngson, Head of Wellbeing at Friends of ANCHOR, said: “Our Confident You classes are all about restoring the confidence that can so often be lost through a cancer diagnosis - and bringing joy to those who may be struggling with the effects of those words – ‘you have cancer’.
“A diagnosis can take a significant toll not just physically, but emotionally too. The workshops are designed to provide a safe, comforting space among peers, where patients can rediscover their confidence and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.”
Booking information for patients
- Fancy a Dance is welcoming attendees from April 16. Classes will take place every Wednesday from 3 to 4.30pm for a 10-week block at Get Active within Westburn Park.
- Find your Voice is welcoming attendees from April 17. Classes will take place every Thursday from 6 to 7.30pm for a 10-week block at Get Active within Westburn Park
- Mindfulness is an eight-week fully online course, with the next block beginning on Wednesday April 23.
Patients can find out more details and register for any of the workshops by visiting:
https://forms.office.com/e/czLMan5vwt