YWCA Encore

Free gentle exercise programme for women who have experienced breast surgery for breast cancer at any time in their lives.

Top Marks for Encore! - external evaluation illustrates the success of the nationwide programme

Visit the website for 2011 programme schedule information.

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.

'Top Marks' for Encore!
YWCA Encore Media Release, 1 August 2011

Results of a new external evaluation have been announced that celebrate the success of a nation-wide gentle exercise programme run by the YWCA. 

YWCA Encore is proud to have the programme (now in its 6^th year) endorsed and praised after feedback from women around New Zealand. 
“ Encore provided…better access for information and services to assist me and my breast journey. My speech is better, my breathing is much improved.”     Evaluation participant.
 
“YWCA Encore is the only free exercise and support programme run nationally for women who are recovering from breast cancer surgery” says the YWCA Encore National Manager, Marlene Sorby.  “We sought evidence for the ongoing effectiveness of the programme, whether the experience was beneficial in the long term and this evaluation has shown us just that.” 
 
The evaluation demonstrated conclusively that this eight week programme of specifically designed hydrotherapy and land-based exercises, healthy lifestyle information, relaxation and peer support   offered multiple sustained benefits to participants as much as six years after involvement with the programme.
 
“I found the programme hugely beneficial. The exercise component, guest speakers and general discussion was encouraging and reassuring. The introduction back to exercise has kick-started me back to a lifestyle with exercise included.”     Evaluation participant.
 
“The most important feedback from the evaluation is that 77% of women have made positive lifestyle changes post Encore; notably with exercise and nutrition and also with an improved awareness and management of lymphoedema, says Marlene.  “This is because YWCA Encore gives them the tools to maintain mobility and flexibility and the education around lymphoedema which then minimises the risk of getting it and helps existing conditions to be managed.”
 
The evaluation was conducted over the last 4 months by an independent researcher who said it was the most positive research project she had ever undertaken; “I was struck by how grateful the women were for this programme. They saw it as extremely useful, holistic, motivating, informative and supportive.  Support for the programme was overwhelmingly 100% positive!”
 
"The fact that this programme is free means that we do not add to the financial burden that many of these women are already under," says Hilary Sumpter, YWCA Auckland CEO.  "YWCA Encore is a cost effective way of relieving demand on the health system too, particularly in areas like lymphoedema, physiotherapy and psychological support.  After 8 weeks these women are feeling supported and much fitter, this benefits their families, communities and their careers,"
 
“Wonderful in that the tools I was given by Encore gave me personal power - it gave me a way to help
myself that didn’t involve drugs and benefited my overall health and fitness.”  Evaluation participant.
 
“This is a significant announcement for the YWCA Encore programme. It reinforces what our funding partners already know - that we model community development well with this programme being delivered to 23 centres around New Zealand.” Hilary adds. 
 
Copies of the Evaluation, summary only and key statistics are available from our website www.akywca.org.nz. 
 

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