The HOPE programme – Help to Overcome Problems Effectively –is a health and lifestyle coaching course to support people after cancer treatment. Originally developed by Hope For The Community CIC, it is now a licensed and accredited self-management programme run in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. The programme uses cognitive behavioural techniques based on hope theory, self-efficacy theory and motivational interviewing.

HOPE is for people who may feel abandoned after cancer treatment and who may be finding it difficult to cope with the long-term effects. It helps people self-manage problems such as feelings of anxiety, fatigue and concerns for the future. As such, the course is increasingly becoming part of the support offered to people who have completed their treatment.

HOPE is a group programme delivered by health and social care professionals, together with trained volunteers with a personal experience of cancer. All facilitators are assessed and regularly monitored, ensuring positive outcomes for people attending the programme.

How HOPE can help the people you support

The HOPE self-management course is for all people who have had cancer, regardless of the type of cancer. It recognises the commonality of unmet psychological and emotional needs (fear of recurrence, reduced confidence), physical needs (fatigue and need for physical exercise), and social needs (such as social isolation).

People who have taken part in the course say it has helped them to:

• feel reassured • recognise their potential to make changes to improve quality of life

• deal with anger, depression, anxiety and frustration • use positive communication skills and reflective listening

• set goals and take problem-solving steps to achieve their goals

• address difficult problems • use relaxation techniques • share the course experience with family and friends

How people can book:

To book their place on the HOPE course, people should contact their local Macmillan Information Centre or health care team. Go to www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area to find the nearest centre or call 0808 808 00 00

Get involved

For details on local courses, or if you are interested in becoming a HOPE facilitator in your area, please contact ServiceOpsSupport@macmillan.org.uk