Bridport is very fortunate to have its own cancer rehab community group based at the Bridport Leisure Centre pavilion, run by Richard Walsh and Jo Perfect, Level 4 trained cancer and exercise rehabilitation specialists.

There is no charge for the scheme, but you do need to be referred by a health professional such as your GP or cancer nurse specialist.

It is recognised that those with cancer have rehabilitative needs throughout their care pathway. Cancer rehabilitation can be preventative, restorative, supportive and palliative.

The evidence is growing that cancer rehabilitation can benefit those with a cancer diagnosis across a wide range of outcomes, yet in many regions only five per cent of those with a cancer diagnosis are being referred to rehabilitation, which is why Bridport is very fortunate to have an established rehabilitation scheme already available which is individually tailored to and takes account of the participants' state of health and physical capabilities.

Physical activity can reduce risk of cancer mortality by 37 per cent and risk of cancer recurrence vs least active patients by 35 per cent.

By raising the awareness of the importance of cancer rehab, Stepping Out hopes it can help more people in the Bridport area who have a cancer diagnosis to live more active lives, to improve their knowledge about exercise, diet and mental health, make new friends and empower participants to take an active role in their own recovery and future health.

If you are interested in the scheme and would like to know more about how Stepping Out can help you, please contact the programme manager, Jo Perfect, [email protected] or see us in action at www.steppingoutbridport.co.uk

The group is backing Cancer Rehab Awareness Week, which runs from 6th to 12th September.