Lifestyle support

Provides services for physical activity, weight management, stop smoking, alcohol reduction, mental health, sleep, social isolation for people living in Essex.

Provides services for physical activity, weight management, stop smoking, alcohol reduction, mental health, sleep, social isolation for people living in Southend City.

Provides services for physical activity, weight management, stop smoking, alcohol reduction, mental health, sleep, social isolation for people living in Thurrock.

We know being diagnosed with cancer can be very stressful and treatment can take many months. Cancer prehabilitation is a programme to prepare patients for treatment in terms of physical fitness, nutrition and emotional wellbeing. It maximises resilience to treatment, improves long-term health and overall quality of life.

Scientific evidence shows that benefits include:

• · Improved tolerance to treatment
• · Reduced side effects such as fatigue, pain, anxiety and depression
• · Improved quality of life
• · Reduced complication rates
• · Shorter hospital stays and fewer emergency admissions.

Two programmes are available to patients from diagnosis onwards up to two years post diagnosis:

Alvie

A digital health optimisation programme focusing on boosting your fitness and energy, improving your nutrition and help you manage stress.

Every newly diagnosed cancer patient within the Mid & South Essex NHs Trust will have access to this programme.

Living Well with Cancer exercise programme in association with Impulse Leisure

There is also the option to attend a Living Well with Cancer face-to-face exercise programme, which is provided at seven venues across mid and south Essex.

Speak to your specialist cancer nurse or the social prescriber at your GP practice to be referred.

If you would like further information about either programme please email the team.

Cancer and Nutrition Helpline

Speak to an expert cancer dietician. Calls are FREE from all mobile phones and landlines.

• Tuesdays: 12pm–2pm
• Thursdays: 6pm–8pm

Coaching programme to assist patients to improve their lifestyle and wellbeing.

Healthy Eating Guidelines

Healthy eating guidelines – Penny Brohn UK

Runs alongside the Park Run on the fourth Saturday of the month. You can walk, run or jog!

Local venues are Chelmsford, Billericay, Harlow and Hockley.