We are oh-so excited to announce that Newcastle-based young people in their 20s and 30s who have a cancer diagnosis will from this september have access to RENEW; our specialist evidence-based physical activity programme. This is thanks to our partnership with two fantastic charities, local wellbeing charity–Healthworks and YMCA North Tyneside.

RENEW is an eight-week programme of small-group classes designed and delivered by our team of amazing cancer rehabilitation specialists. The goal is simple: to keep moving in whatever way works for each individual, whatever their diagnosis, and however they’re feeling whilst giving them the opportunity to connect with others. 

RENEW will begin in Newcastle this autumn and it’s FREE to any young person between 20 and 40 who has or is recovering from cancer. We are calling for participants to sign up now, and for all health professionals in the area to let their 20s-30s cancer patients know.  You can take part at any venues 

Over the past three decades, cancer rates for 25–29-year-olds have risen faster than for any other age group in the UK but there are few services designed to meet their particular needs. More people are surviving cancer than ever before but at what cost to their mental and physical health? Too old for teenage services and usually the youngest by many decades on cancer wards, these young people are often the only person in their peer group with a cancer diagnosis. Exercise classes are a great way to meet people in the same boat, tackle isolation, improve physical wellbeing and improve quality of life all in one activity. That's why we are so excited to be delivering this programme.

“It's shown me that I am more capable than I think. It's improved my strength post-surgery and radiotherapy and given me the motivation to continue to exercise through treatment. It was a great mental boost each week - tailored, supportive, and fun!” RENEW participant 

Our Head of Programmes and Engagement, Jemima Reynolds, explains why this is so important  

“Research shows that physical activity has been proven to improve cancer-related fatigue, side effects, quality of life and mental health as well as helping reduce the recurrence of breast, bowel and prostate by 40%. But knowing what exercise to do, how much and how often, can be daunting with a diagnosis and treatment. We're excited to be partnering with two amazing and trusted charities in the Northeast so as many people in their 20s and 30s can benefit from all these charities have to offer and get the tools and support to live better with and beyond cancer".

 Donna Ayre from YMCA North Tyneside  

"We are excited to be partnering with another charity, Trekstock to deliver their 8 weeks RENEW programme for young cancer survivors to help them with their recovery. We are passionate about health, fitness and wellbeing, and making sure that everyone can access state of the art facilities with highly qualified instructors and reduce any possible barriers to exercising when diagnosed with cancer” 

Paul Court, CEO of Healthworks, Newcastle has this to say

"I’m very pleased that we are teaming up with another King’s Fund award winning charity to deliver the RENEW programme for young cancer survivors to help them with their recovery. Healthworks have been delivering support for cancer screening, cancer awareness and cancer champions across the North East and this will be an opportunity for us to showcase our skills in supporting those to exercise when diagnosed with cancer’

Classes begin in September and will take place in the evenings at both venues: 

You can sign up to join at either venue: 

Healthworks: Health Resource Centre, Adelaide Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8BE 

YMCA: YMCA Gym, Church Way, North Shields, NE29 0AB 

If you are in your 20s or 30s at any stage in your diagnosis, treatment, recovery or living with cancer, sign up now to tap into this free, specialist, and vitally important benefit. It’s easy to do, you just need to fill out a questionnaire and submit a signed consent form. Click here to sign up now. Places are limited, so don’t hang around!  

About Healthworks

Healthworks is an award-winning community health charity based in Newcastle that helps local communities improve their health and wellbeing. Formed in 1995, 2020 saw the 25th anniversary of Healthworks which began life in the west end of Newcastle and has since grown to deliver services across the region. 

About YMCA

YMCA is a local charity dedicated to helping vulnerable young people, including those with complex health needs like cancer. YMCA provides gym facilities to over 400 young people on a regular basis, with gym instructors who provide appropriate fitness classes to suit the unique needs of young people. They have been supporting young people locally in North Tyneside since 1879.