MACMILLAN is holding a free self-management programme in Cardigan for anyone living with and beyond cancer to help them manage the emotional impact of their diagnosis.

‘HOPE’ is designed to help people with a cancer diagnosis manage the day-to-day impact of their condition, learn proactive ways to take control of their health and wellbeing in a supportive environment and set positive goals for the future.

Topics the HOPE programme focuses on include managing fatigue and stress, exploring character strengths and priorities as well as living positively with the fear of recurrence.

The programme will run for two days on Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 18 April from 10am-4.15pm at the Small World Theatre on Bathhouse Road.

There will be a follow-up day on Wednesday, June 6 from 11am-3pm.

John Searle, who lives in Swansea, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016 and attended the programme in Cardiff in July 2017.

John said: “It helps you to focus on the way ahead and it is also really important to listen to other people and learn about their experiences. HOPE has given me great hope really.”

Hazel Meadows, HOPE programme facilitator, said: “We encourage anyone who is struggling with the impact of their cancer diagnosis to sign up to this free programme.

“HOPE is an opportunity for people to learn methods to help them live their lives with cancer and to meet others who are in a similar position.

“We understand that signing up to a course may be overwhelming to some people, but HOPE is designed to support and encourage.

“Everyone who has attended the HOPE course has fed back that they have been able to take something away to help them look forward in life.”

Richard Pugh, head of services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “We at Macmillan know that receiving a cancer diagnosis has a huge emotional impact.

“Around 19,000 people receive the devastating news that they have cancer every year in Wales and they need more than medical help - they also need practical, emotional and financial support.

“Macmillan is delighted with the success of the programme and we’re pleased to continue to offer HOPE to people affected by cancer in Wales in 2018.”

People wishing to attend or interested in finding out more, can contact 01656 867960 or email waleslearning@macmillan.org.uk.