| Encore |
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A Place for Women to Share Experiences and Discover Friendship
The YWCA Encore Program is for women of any age, who have had breast cancer surgery at any time in their lives. Encore is a specifically designed floor and pool-based exercise program for such women. It is provided in a supportive, non-medical environment.
As well as helping women rebuild flexibility and strength, Encore provides participants with the opportunity to share common experiences and concerns with other women who understand.
At Encore, women not only have fun, make friends, and expand their networks- they also acquire new skills, and have the opportunity to further their own personal development and self-esteem.
The program runs over eight weeks, either days or evenings, with women attending for two hours per week. The program includes gentle floor and pool-based exercises. The exercises are designed to improve movement, flexibility and strength.
Women are encourages to work at their own speed, and to their own ability and there is no pressure to keep up with others. Participants do not have to be able to swim, and all pools are at a comfortable temperature. All sessions allow time for relaxation, for information sharing and discussion, as well as informal talk.
Encore is led by trained YWCA staff who have satisfactorily completed the Encore training program. The leader is assisted either by another trained Encore person, or by an assistant with an appropriate First Aid Certificate, and who is a competent swimmer.
Objective
To provide a supportive and therapeutic exercise program, delivered in non-medical surroundings, for women of any age, who have had breast surgery.
Aims
- To maintain, or rebuild, muscular fitness
- To improve mobility and strength
- To help reduce disabilities associated with treatment
- To help reduce pain or discomfort
- To maintain, or improve, cardiovascular and respiratory fitness
- To help relieve stress and tension
- To maintain, or help restore, a sense of control and self-esteem
- To provide an opportunity to share experiences with other women who understand
- To encourage laughter, relaxation and fun