Expanding cancer support: Active Together brings hope to South Yorkshire

The Active Together programme, a trailblazing initiative that has already supported over 1,000 individuals in Sheffield and Harrogate, is expanding across South Yorkshire. This innovative service, developed by the experts at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) and funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, offers free, personalised fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing support to those undergoing cancer treatment.

With new funding of £4 million, the programme is now available in Barnsley, Rotherham, and Doncaster, with the goal of eventually reaching every person diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire.

Personalised support tailored to cancer patients’ needs

Active Together is designed to enhance cancer treatment by improving patients' fitness and overall wellbeing, reducing side effects, and speeding up recovery. The programme tailors its services to the needs of each participant, helping them prepare for, cope with, and recover from the rigors of cancer treatment. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the journey to provide comprehensive support to cancer patients across the region.

Success story: Shaun Toy's journey to recovery

One success story comes from Shaun Toy, a retired bus driver from Maltby, South Yorkshire, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2022. Shaun credits Active Together with helping him regain his strength and energy through its accessible exercise classes, which are specifically tailored for cancer recovery. After 12 weeks of participating in the programme, Shaun saw significant improvements in his fitness levels and is now a regular at the gym.

The impact of exercise on cancer treatment outcomes

The benefits of regular exercise for cancer patients are well-documented. Research suggests that those who remain active after a cancer diagnosis can reduce their risk of mortality by up to 47% and decrease the likelihood of cancer recurrence by as much as 66%. These findings underscore the importance of initiatives like Active Together in the holistic care of cancer patients.

Expanding access across South Yorkshire

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research and Services at Yorkshire Cancer Research, highlighted the significance of the programme’s expansion, stating that the rollout across South Yorkshire will allow many more individuals to integrate personalised exercise into their cancer treatment plans. This expansion is a step closer to the charity’s vision of making such support available to every cancer patient in Yorkshire.

Collaborative efforts in Barnsley

Additionally, Sara Andrews, Macmillan Trust Lead Cancer Nurse at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme’s introduction to Barnsley. She emphasized the collaboration between local NHS staff, Sheffield Hallam University, and Yorkshire Cancer Research in making this expansion possible. The service is already making a difference for patients in the area, helping them manage their treatment more effectively through a combination of exercise, nutrition, and professional support.

A model for cancer care nationwide

The Active Together programme’s expansion is not just a local success story but a potential model for cancer care across the UK. As more areas in South Yorkshire begin to offer this service, it is hoped that the programme will continue to grow, ensuring that more patients can benefit from its life-changing support.

For more information about Active Together and its services, visit the Yorkshire Cancer Research website.