Albion FC partner charity shares exercise videos for cancer patients and anyone who wants to join in

Albion in the Community’s Brighter Outlook project helps Brighton and Hove residents stay physically active before, during and after cancer treatment. The project is supported by Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and the cancer charity Macmillan but sessions were postponed due to the coronavirus. Staff at the charity will continue to support more than 100 people who usually attend the sessions by offering free classes online. Rosie Sadler, project leader, said: “Many of the people we work with on Brighter Outlook are self-isolating as part of the government’s guidelines to shield the most-vulnerable as most of them have compromised immune systems; lowering their ability to fight infections. “It must be such a worrying time for them and their families. At the moment I think we all need more support, but even more so for those already struggling with cancer and its treatments. Rosie says that physical activity can ‘reduce anxiety’ and help to manage ‘some of the nasty side effects of cancer treatment’. “Physical activity plays an important role in recovery,” she said, “so staying active before, during and after treatment is very important and we’re determined to help our participants do just that.” Participants can rest assured that the videos will focus on simple exercises that do not require special equipment and they can be done using household items. “It is more important than ever that people remain active and although our films, which will be uploaded to YouTube, are designed for our Brighter Outlook participants, they can be useful for anyone looking to get active at home and for those who perhaps needs some encouragement, advice, and support.” Rosie said. In addition to sharing exercise videos online, the Seagulls charity will check on participants regularly via Skype and phone calls. “We’ve already had some amazing feedback,” Rosie said, “This is a very challenging time for the people we work with and we’ll continue to support them in whatever way we can.” Since it started in 2015, Brighter Outlook has benefitted almost 1,000 people. Participants have access to one-to-one specialist support from Albion in the Community’s cancer rehabilitation coaches as well as exercise classes. The first Brighter Outlook video is available at Albion in the Community’s YouTube channel here. More information about Brighter Outlook can be found by emailing brighteroutlook@albioninthecommunity.org.uk