Mindfulness support for local people living with cancer

A Rochdale woman living with the effects of cancer is encouraging others to try a mindfulness course that’s made a “world of difference”.

People aged 18+ who have completed intensive cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery can now book onto the 2025 mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for cancer programme.

The eight-week course is run by NHS Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale Talking Therapies, provided by The Big Life Group in partnership with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

A small group of about eight people will meet for a two-hour session every Tuesday. They’ll learn mindfulness techniques, take part in meditation and therapy exercises and benefit from peer support through group discussions.

They’ll also be encouraged to practice their new skills at home, supported by CDs, online guides, and a handbook.

Kay Andrews, 36, completed the 2024 programme after struggling to adapt to life following her cancer diagnosis.

She explained: “I was diagnosed with stage-three cervical cancer during the covid pandemic. Being told about my diagnosis on my own is something I’ll never forget. My treatment started immediately and was very intensive, so I barely had any time to process what was happening to me. My close family live in Yorkshire, so I couldn’t see them during the whole process, which was really difficult.

“In a matter of months it was all over and I was in remission. Although I felt so lucky to have a good outcome, I couldn’t shake the feeling of what happens next and where do I go from here.”

Unable to go back to work, and experiencing long-term physical effects from her treatment, Kay struggled to feel normal again. She said: “You’re grieving the person you once were, while also dealing with a sense of guilt because you don’t feel as happy or as grateful as you think you should about having survived it.”

“I was on autopilot and everything felt like it wasn’t real. I tried counselling but didn’t feel any real improvement.”

Explaining how the programme helped her, Kay added: “I found the sessions helpful as they focused my mind on the here and now. For the first time, I felt grounded and could find happiness in simple things like the sun and being in nature.

“It’s very easy to feel isolated when you’re around people who haven’t had the same experiences. But this group gave me valuable connections and a safe space to talk about my feelings and worries. I still use the breathing techniques when I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It really does make a world of difference.”

For those unsure about trying mindfulness, Kay said: “Just give it a try because you have nothing to lose. It’s relaxing, grounding and motivating. You’re surrounded by people who understand and have gone through cancer like you. There’s never a wrong answer to a question or a wrong way to feel, which felt so refreshing.”

Sharon Edwards is clinical lead for NHS Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale Talking Therapies. She said: “We’re delighted that it’s made such a positive difference to Kay. We know that having cancer and living with the affects can be incredibly isolating and challenging, and we are determined to keep offering help in our local community.”

“Studies have proven that mindfulness can help people feel less stressed, reduce worry and over-thinking, and improve sleep and tiredness. Please get in touch if you’re living with cancer and have recently completed treatment. We’re a friendly bunch and are here to help.”

The 2025 programme will run from 10 June to 22 July 2025, at a local health centre. People can self-refer by visiting www.penninecare.nhs.uk/cancer-cognitive-therapy. In the box that asks reason for referral, people should select “MBCT for Cancer - 8 week course”.

People can also phone and ask to be referred to the 'MBCT for Cancer – 8 week course'.

For more information visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk/cancer-cognitive-therapy