Top marks for free post breast cancer exercise recovery programme

Results of a new external evaluation have been announced that celebrate the success of a nation-wide gentle exercise programme run by the YWCA.
YWCA Encore is proud to have the programme (now in its 6th year) endorsed and praised after feedback from women around New Zealand.
“ Encore provided…better access for information and services to assist me and my breast journey. My speech is better, my breathing is much improved.” Evaluation participant.

“YWCA Encore is the only free exercise and support programme run nationally for women who are recovering from breast cancer surgery” says the YWCA Encore National Manager, Marlene Sorby. “We sought evidence for the ongoing effectiveness of the programme, whether the experience was beneficial in the long term and this evaluation has shown us just that.”

The evaluation demonstrated conclusively that this eight week programme of specifically designed hydrotherapy and land-based exercises, healthy lifestyle information, relaxation and peer support offered multiple sustained benefits to participants as much as six years after involvement with the programme.
“I found the programme hugely beneficial. The exercise component, guest speakers and general discussion was encouraging and reassuring. The introduction back to exercise has kick-started me back to a lifestyle with exercise included.” Evaluation participant.

“The most important feedback from the evaluation is that 77% of women have made positive lifestyle changes post Encore; notably with exercise and nutrition and also with an improved awareness and management of lymphoedema, says Marlene. “This is because YWCA Encore gives them the tools to maintain mobility and flexibility and the education around lymphoedema which then minimises the risk of getting it and helps existing conditions to be managed.”

The evaluation was conducted over the last 4 months by an independent researcher who said it was the most positive research project she had ever undertaken; “I was struck by how grateful the women were for this programme. They saw it as extremely useful, holistic, motivating, informative and supportive. Support for the programme was overwhelmingly 100% positive!”

"The fact that this programme is free means that we do not add to the financial burden that many of these women are already under," says Hilary Sumpter, YWCA Auckland CEO. "YWCA Encore is a cost effective way of relieving demand on the health system too, particularly in areas like lymphoedema, physiotherapy and psychological support. After 8 weeks these women are feeling supported and much fitter, this benefits their families, communities and their careers,"

“Wonderful in that the tools I was given by Encore gave me personal power - it gave me a way to help myself that didn’t involve drugs and benefited my overall health and fitness.” Evaluation participant.

“This is a significant announcement for the YWCA Encore programme. It reinforces what our funding partners already know - that we model community development well with this programme being delivered to 23 centres around New Zealand.” Hilary adds.

Copies of the Evaluation, summary only and key statistics are available from our website www.akywca.org.nz.

For more information contact Tilda Bostwick, T: (09) 375 9247 Email: tilda@akywca.org.nz
About YWCA The YWCA Auckland is part of the world’s largest women’s organisation - a global network of 25 million women leading social and economic change in over 125 countries worldwide.
In Auckland our inner city hostel enables the YWCA to provide free community programmes.