A grant for £5985 has been awarded to a Measham charity to help deliver a free ‘In the Pink’ eight-week Breast Cancer Rehabilitation programme and provide much-needed support.
The money has been awarded from the £350,000 Mercia Park Community Fund set up by IM Properties to support communities surrounding its new junction 11, M42 scheme.
In The Pink is one of a number of initiatives delivered by Supporting Confidence Through Exercise, a North West Leicestershire charity founded in 2015. It’s hoped the next one will start in February.
The organisation, which has helped over 100 women, is dedicated to the provision of ‘stepping-stone’ programmes preserving and protecting the good health of people living with or in remission from a life-changing condition.
Michelle Scott-Worthington who has taught exercise in the community for the past 30 years and developed the ‘In the Pink’ programme to pick up from where the NHS currently leaves off said:
“The eight-week programme helps to rehabilitate the women on so many levels, both mentally and physically to restore confidence and provide them with the tools to move forward with their lives.
“It’s also about providing a support network for those who have experienced the stresses of breast cancer and this is where we have become big advocates of ‘care and share time’ which includes tea and cake. A simple slice of cake has become integral to the healing process, as it signifies a time to chat, build friendships and be listened to.”
Working in small groups of no more than 8, with trained teachers who are experienced in supporting individuals treated for breast cancer, the women receive rehabilitation for affected arms or shoulders and are given coping strategies for linked medical outcomes, providing a safe environment away from the clinical setting.
The Mercia Park grants of up to £5,000 are being primarily directed at projects which strengthen communities or improve the natural environment.
Kerry Amory who looks after IM Properties Social Value programme and works with Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, who manage the fund said:
“It’s amazing what a difference the programme is making to lives. We heard the stories of women unable to pick up their children because they had lost muscle strength and one woman, Julie, who couldn’t raise her arm above her head to get a cup out of a cupboard to make a drink.
“It’s an everyday activity which most of us take for granted but for these women, if not resolved provides a constant reminder of the powerlessness they can feel. Funding for sessions such as In The Pink is essential to continue to transform lives and we’re pleased to be supporting the next one starting in the new year.”
IM Properties is committed to delivering sustainable development across its business. Working in partnership with its occupiers and supply chain it aims to create jobs, skills and training opportunities, in addition to long-lasting social value benefits for the local community.
The next round of grants is now open for applications. For further information on the Mercia Park Community Fund visit https://www.llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-funds/mercia-park-community-fund-open/
For further information on In The Pink visit https://www.scte-activities.org.uk/in-the-pink or call 0300 365 9791.
For further editorial information, please contact: Jane Bolas, JBPR, Telephone 07721 504169
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