YWCA Encore
Free gentle exercise programme for women who have experienced breast surgery for breast cancer at any time in their lives.
The YWCA held a special In-Service Training for Encore Coordinators in September - read about it here!
YWCA Encore is a gentle floor and pool-based exercise programme that helps women who have had breast cancer surgery to regain mobility, flexibility, strength and confidence. It is run in a supportive, non-medical environment.
Originally put together by an American ballet dancer for her 
own recovery regime, the Encore program is very successful in Australia where the YWCA has been running it for over 25 years. It was launched in New Zealand in August 2005 and since then over 600 women have participated in 60 programmes around the country.
Encore is run as an eight-week long programme, up to 14 women attend each weekly two-hour session. Attendance is by pre-enrolment only and GP or specialist approval is required. As well as specifically designed physical exercises, all sessions allow time for relaxation techniques, information sharing and hearing from guest speakers.
This innovative programme is medically approved and well regarded by cancer support organisations. Most of the money raised in New Zealand for breast cancer goes to research and there are very few organised rehabilitation programmes which assist women who are recovering from the disease. There is a significant demand for Encore as this programme fills the gap for post-surgery support.
Every year the YWCA Auckland trains an average of ten new coordinators from around the country. These coordinators then run programmes in their own areas, assisting us to reach as many women as possible. In 2008 Encore programmes ran in 18 areas around NZ including 5 in the Auckland region.
In line with the YWCA’s wish to maximize accessibility, Encore is free to all participants. Each course costs over three thousand dollars to run and the YWCA relies on grants and public donations to cover the costs. We also have a funding partnership with the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation who assist with the training of new Coordinators.
Feedback from Encore participants is overwhelmingly positive; women report dramatic improvements in physical mobility and psychological well-being. These are comments from recent participants.
“The Encore programme was accessible to me at a time when I was unable to work, had zero income and had large medical expenses. This powerful programme has assisted my physical and emotional recovery from breast cancer and has supported my journey back to health and employment. It has enabled me to contribute again to family routines and participate actively in the larger community.”
“I have become more supple and stronger and sleep better. I have loved being involved in every aspect of the programme and enjoyed all the interesting speakers. Thank you.”
Visit our website or call toll free 0800 362 673 for programme schedules and more information.
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