positive wellbeing programmes
These will be delivered face to face in Cancer Lifeline. Please contact us if you would prefer to join in online.
fatigue management programme
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness and lack of energy that everyone will experience at some time during and / or after a cancer diagnosis and its treatments.
The effects of Fatigue will be different for everyone but can cause great difficulty with doing everyday activities that are important to us. Fatigue can make you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and depressed. Fatigue is also now known to be one of the long-term side effects of Covid-19, which is affecting so many of us now too.
In this session you will hear from other people who are maybe experiencing the same feelings and symptoms as you. It will help you to understand the causes of fatigue and will provide some useful advice, tips, and techniques to help you to start to overcome fatigue. Begin to make positive changes to your energy levels, mood, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Date: Tues 17th June & Tuesday 16th Sept 2025
Time: 2.00 – 3.30pm
Facilitator: Dot Thompson (Occupational Therapist BHSCT)
get active - walking group
Going for a nice walk or a gentle stroll, may help, if you are experiencing poor sleep, feel anxious etc…
Our Walking Group walks locally in North Belfast. Once a month we organise one off trips to places of interest such as public parks across the city and others as suggested by group participants. You must attend for three weeks in a row to take part in the outings.
The Walking Group is led by our experienced walking leaders Liz & Richard who have both completed their Walking Leaders Course via Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT). Group is designed for people of all walking abilities. Please wear comfortable footwear & clothing.
Date: Every Wednesday during April 2025 – Sept 2025 (except during holiday closures)
Time: 2.00 – 3.30pm (Please note the group kick starts on Wed 16th Oct 2024).
Leaders: Liz Cameron, Richard Moran
*Please note the Walking Group does not take place during the months July & August.
Vital Nutrition for living well
Are you confused about nutrition? Do you want to make some changes to your diet, but don’t know where to start?
If you are looking for simple and straightforward ways to make positive changes to your diet, then our nutritionist Jane McClenaghan is here to help you make sense of healthy eating. Jane will help you to set realistic and achievable goals and guide you on the best foods to add to your shopping basket.
Dates: Thursday 22nd May & Tuesday 9th Sept 2025
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Tutor: Jane McClenaghan (Nutritional Therapist)
yoga & meditation
Yoga helps to keep our bodies, mind and spirit in good health. Yoga supports the body to get back its strength and flexibility after illness.
These six week classes include gentle stretching of the body, applying proper breathing techniques and deep relaxation to enhance more flexibility and calmness of mind. By the end of the 6 weeks you will feel noticeably different for taking the time to look after your own wellbeing and recovery. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Course 1 Dates: Thursday 1st, 8th May 2025, Thurs 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th June 2025.
Course 2 Dates: Thursday 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th Sept 2025.
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Facilitator: Mary Connolly, Lead Complementary Therapist.
Priority will be given to members who have NOT participated in the yoga sessions before.
FEEL GOOD WORKSHOPS
Cancer treatments and side effects can impact on the way you look and feel. This programme offers one-to-one makeup, skin, nail and hair care appointments, taster complementary therapies and connecting you with health providers / organisations that can offer support.
These sessions aim to enhance general appearance and self-image during a difficult & challenging time in your life. Please note these sessions are mixed (Male & Female) attendance except our Male only session in March 2025.
Dates: Wed 9th APRIL (FEMALES), Wed 7TH MAY (MALES & FEMALES) Wed 4TH JUNE (MALES)
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
SELF MASSAGE (Tips & Techniques)
This session will be very relaxing, as we explore ways on how to relieve stress from our bodies.
We will how to calm the vagus nerve and use pressure points to help with headaches, nausea, and relieving blocked sinuses. Wear loose comfortable clothing and minimum jewellery. You will be surprised how your hands can be so nurturing to your body.
Date: Wed 9th April 2025
Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Facilitator: Mary Connolly, Lead Complementary Therapist
BACH FLOWERS REMEDIES AT HOME
During this session you will gain an understanding of how the Bach Flower Remedies will support you holistically, on your journey through life.
They help to support the mental and emotional aspects of each individual depending on their needs. We use the BFR extensively at Cancer Lifeline to help our members with all kinds of issues e.g. stress, anxiety, trauma, panic, fear & depression. You will receive a handout with all the remedies and decide which ones you feel are best suited to your needs.
Date: Wednesday 4th June 2025
Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Facilitator: Mary Connolly, Lead Complementary Therapist
ARE YOU READY TO STOP SMOKING OR VAPING? (ROUND 2)
Following the success of the previous sessions, Margaret McManus, Solution Focused Hypnotherapist, is offering three Cancer Lifeline clients an opportunity to avail of hypnotherapy to stop smoking/vaping on a one-to-one basis.
Date: Wednesday 21st May 2025.
Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Hypnotherapy can provide a supportive framework to help you achieve and maintain your goal of a smoke/vape free life.
It can help you identify your strengths and resources to work towards your goal.
Many people smoke as a way of managing stress and anxiety. Hypnotherapy can teach you relaxation techniques to manage stress without relying on cigarettes/vapes.
Sadly there is no magic wand, to stop smoking or vaping! Your FULL participation is required.
What you can expect
- An initial consultation by phone which is about 15 minutes.
- The Hypnotherapy session usually takes around 2 hours.
- You will find out how the brain works in creating the negative patterns of behaviour and the link between smoking and anxiety.
- Be guided into a relaxed state, so that you can visualise yourself as a non-smoker/vaper.
- See what changes you can make to increase your chances of success.
- Be given an MP3 recording to assist with the process.
If you are interested contact Bryan on 02890351999.