We are working in partnership with Carlisle United Community Sports Trust as part of an innovative new programme helping people living with cancer to get into the best possible physical and emotional condition before, during and after treatment.
The Versus Cancer programme is being delivered across the North East and North Cumbria through a partnership between the English Football League (EFL), the Northern Cancer Alliance, football club charities and local NHS hospital trusts.
At Carlisle, NCIC is working with Carlisle United Community Sports Trust to provide free weekly prehabilitation and rehabilitation sessions at Brunton Park. The sessions combine tailored exercise with social and emotional support, giving people the opportunity to improve their physical and mental wellbeing while connecting with others who have similar experiences.
Research shows that patients who are fitter are better able to cope with the strains of cancer treatment and surgery, and are more likely to spend less time in hospital and recover sooner.
The programme also supports the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan by bringing care and support closer to people's homes and broadening access to prehabilitation and rehabilitation in community settings.
Sessions at Carlisle United began on Tuesday, August 25 and will run for 12 months at the club's East Stand classrooms.
Each Tuesday, the sessions are structured as follows:
- 1pm–1.45pm: Exercise for people before and during cancer treatment
- 1.45pm–2.45pm: Social session, including guest speakers, tea and coffee
- 2.45pm–3.30pm: Post-treatment exercise
The programme is designed to be about much more than physical activity. The social element provides an opportunity for people to meet others living with cancer, share experiences and reduce the isolation that can sometimes accompany a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Natasha Richardson, Cancer Prehabilitation Lead Physiotherapist at NCIC, said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity working collaboratively with the regional Prehabilitation leads, NCA, EFL and Carlisle United to make this opportunity possible. I am really excited to be part of it and support our cancer patients to have access to prehab and rehab in the community.”
Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL, said: “Versus Cancer is a great example of the National Cancer Plan coming to life and shows the important role that Football Club charities can play in supporting people living with cancer.
“A big part of the programme is that it takes place away from a clinical setting - at a Football Club, which is a trusted organisation within the local community and naturally has a very different feel to a hospital.
“Versus Cancer is more than just exercise; for many, it is a lifeline, reducing isolation by bringing together like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and truly understand what each other is going through.”
Clare Doney, Clinical Lead for Living With and Beyond Cancer at the Northern Cancer Alliance, said: “We love our football here in the North East and North Cumbria and we are delighted to be supporting the EFL in this initiative.
“These Clubs are at the heart of their communities and are ideally placed to deliver this blend of physical, mental and emotional support which can bring so many benefits to people before, during and after cancer treatment and surgery.
“Versus Cancer helps realise the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan by providing care closer to people's homes, broadening access to prehabilitation and rehabilitation and working more closely with community partners.”
James Tose, CEO of Carlisle United Community Sports Trust, said: “We are proud to be delivering cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation sessions through Carlisle United Community Sports Trust.
“These sessions are designed to support individuals before, during and after their cancer journey, helping them improve their physical wellbeing, build confidence and access the support they need within their local community.
“We are delighted to be part of an initiative that uses the power of football and community engagement to make a positive difference to people's lives.”
The Versus Cancer programme is being delivered across four football club communities in the North East and North Cumbria – Carlisle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle – in partnership with the eight hospital trusts in the area.
Find out more
People interested in taking part are asked to contact Carlisle United Community Sports Trust before attending a session.
Email: enquiries@carlisleunitedcst.co.uk
Call: 07923 244854
The sessions take place every Tuesday at Brunton Park, East Stand Classrooms.