Macmillan Move More (Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton)
Macmillan Move More is a physical activity service designed to support people living with and beyond cancer become more active.
It’s been proven that taking part in physical activity during and after cancer treatment is safe and has many long term benefits. This includes reducing consequences of treatment, such as fatigue and the risk of developing other conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes. Lots of people also tell us that physical activity helps them take back control and feel more like their old self.
Christmas dates
The last day for referrals into the service is 16th December. Referrals will reopen 5th January (tbc). Please find below details for the last classes this year and first classes back in the New Year.
| Class | Last class of the year | First class in the New Year |
| Tooting Junction Baptist Church | Tuesday 13th December 2022 | Tuesday 10th January 2023 |
| Online via Zoom | Wednesday 14th December 2022 | Wednesday 11th January 2023 |
| St Barnabas Church, Southfields | Thursday 15th December 2022 | Thursday 12th January 2023 |
| St Luke’s Church, Kingston | Thursday 15th December 2022 | Thursday 12th January 2023 |
| Katherine Low Settlement | Friday 16th December 2022 | Friday 13th January 2023 |
Covid-19 support
Our service remained open to new referrals and continued to support people living with cancer get active throughout Covid-19. The pandemic continues to be particularly challenging for people living with cancer, however physical activity can help people deal with the stress, anxiety and uncertainty that many will be feeling during this time. In addition, physical activity is proven to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer.
We continue to deliver our service predominantly remotely. All initial consultations and follow-up appointments are done over the phone or via Zoom (face to face appointments are available too). We then have the following support available:
- Personalised home programmes sent via email or post.
- More Move packs, including a home-based exercise DVD.
- A WhatsApp group and opportunities to chat with other participants after classes.
- Regular phone calls providing support and physical activity advice.
- Virtual activity sessions via Zoom led by a specialist instructor.
- Socially distanced outdoor activity classes in Tooting led by a specialist instructor.
- Socially distanced indoor activity classes in Wandsworth and Balham led by a specialist instructor.
Here are some examples of how our support has helped people during the pandemic:
“Move More has made me positive about myself. They assessed me and gave me confidence of what I was capable of achieving with my illness. As time moved forward, they have consistently checked on me and my well-being at the different stages. I would have not known what amount of exercise I could do without their help and expertise.”
“I need the structure and activity; it’s saving my life!”
“The service has really helped me. Can’t say thank you enough.”
Some of our participants enjoying our last socially-distanced outdoor class (and some sunshine) before the second lockdown in November.
About us
The service is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis in Wandsworth, Merton or Sutton, regardless of when the diagnosis was made. We offer one to one consultations with physical activity specialists who can offer tailored support.
We understand that increasing activity during and after cancer treatment can be very difficult and things like fatigue, pains and lack of confidence can create barriers. During consultations our aim is to help you increase your motivation and overcome personal barriers. We do this by helping you create an activity plan which is relevant to your goals, for some people this might be something simple like being able to walk to the shop without getting tired.
We also share information that might be helpful including information about available activities and advice on how to increase physical activity safely and effectively. We then offer motivational support for 12 months, one to one consultations are available to you throughout this time to ensure you continue to progress. The service starts with an informal chat, there is no pressure to join any specific activities or do anything you do not feel ready or able to do. Our aim is to help you improve your health and wellbeing in a way that is right for you. All initial consultations and follow-up appointments are currently done over the phone or via Zoom
Personalised Care in Cancer Rehabilitation Award
In 2019, Move More Wandsworth was awarded first prize for Best Personalised Care in Cancer Rehabilitation in the London and West Essex Region. Liz Price, Associate Director of Transforming Cancer Services Team and one of the competition judges, said:
“Move More Wandsworth was a wonderful service to learn about. We loved hearing how it is delivered flexibly over time, locations, and is not prescriptive. It was great to see evidence that patients felt involved in goal setting and decision making, and that they felt empowered and listened to. We need more physical activity services delivered like this!”
Lots of our participants tell us that Move More has made a huge difference to their lives. Many have told us that they feel fitter, healthier and more positive as a result of taking part. Here are a few of our Move More participants stories.
Find out more about the patient journey
Find out more information if you are a health professional
To join Move More, please contact our Move More Advisor, Marguerite Larvin, on 020 3959 0039 or email us waccg.movemorewandsworth@nhs.net