Want more information about our Moving Forward courses? Read our frequently asked questions.
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What's the access fund?
Our services are always free, thanks to our generous supporters. But we know that using one of our services might still cost you money such as travel costs. We’re committed to supporting everyone affected by breast cancer to live well. So, if you need help covering the costs of using our services, we’re here.
If you’re worried about the costs involved in using our services, email us at accessfund@breastcancernow.org or call 0345 077 1893. Please give some brief information about your situation, so we can try our best to help. We’ll get back to you in 2 working days.
If you’re disabled and would like to use one of our services, we’ll do everything we can to make sure they’re accessible to you.
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What will I be doing?
Week 1: Looking back to move forward. It’s a chance for you and the rest of the group to share your concerns and talk about the impact of diagnosis and treatment.
Week 2: We look at the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, and what you need to move forward. You’ll join a Q&A session with a healthcare professional and get support from your Moving Forward journal.
Our information hub has online resources on different topics for you to look through in your own time:
- Activity and energy
- Mental wellbeing
- Lymphoedema
- Menopausal symptoms
- Recurrence
- Eating well and breast cancer
- Adjusting and adapting
And our Moving Forward journal accompanies the course.
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How do I join the course after I have registered?
Once you’ve signed up, we’ll email you all the information you need at least 2 weeks before the first session. It will include instructions on how to access your Moving Forward journal and our online resources.
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Do I have to attend both weeks?
Attending both weeks of the same Moving Forward course, as well as accessing the journal and online content is important.
If you can't attend one of the weeks, please let us know in advance, and we can re-book you onto an alternative course if available. This means you'll be with the same group of people throughout, as well as getting to know the volunteers and facilitator.
We know things can crop up between sessions. So if you're ill, or have any last-minute issues, please don't worry. You'll still have access to the online information for as long as you need it.
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Can I bring someone?
Our Moving Forward courses offer a confidential space just for people who've experienced primary breast cancer, to share this experience with others in a similar position, so you can’t bring a loved one.
But we offer free, confidential support to anyone affected by breast cancer through our health information, our Helpline and Someone Like Me service.
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Are the face-to-face and online courses the same format?
Yes, our face-to-face Moving Forward courses and online Moving Forward courses follow the same format. They both run over 2 weeks and are supported by online information, as well as our journal.
The course, whichever way you choose to attend, offers you the chance to share your experiences and listen to others. Also, it provides you with tools and information to improve wellbeing and answer any concerns you may have.
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Can I attend a face-to-face course and online?
Although our online and in-person services are different, they share similar content. Our support and information doesn’t stop after you've attended Moving Forward online or in person. Our Helpline, the Forum, Someone Like Me and Younger Women Together groups are all here to provide further resources and help.
We are starting courses in new areas all the time. If a face-to-face course becomes available in your area, and you have already attended online, let us know if you'd like to take part.
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Will my employer give me time off to attend?
Your employer should allow you time to attend, as our Moving Forward course is considered part of your treatment. Please contact us if you're experiencing any difficulties, and we can provide you with a letter to give to them.
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Does my breast care nurse have to refer me onto the course?
No - although your breast care team may have spoken to you about the course and can refer their patients to us, you can book yourself onto a course today. There is no need to wait for your breast care team to refer you.
If you've completed your hospital-based treatment and would like to attend a Moving Forward course, simply click ‘register’ on this page. Alternatively, you can call 0345 077 1893 or email movingforward@breastcancernow.org and we'll locate your nearest course.
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How long are the courses?
Our in-person courses run over 2 half-day sessions (3.5 hours per session), over 2 consecutive weeks. Our online course take place over Zoom and is slightly shorter as we have added in an extra break. Alongside our sessions, you will have access to our online information which you can look at in your own time
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How many people will be in the group?
We keep our groups small. There’ll be no more than 15 people at each course.
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Do I need to bring anything with me?
No, just get as much out of the course as you can and participate as much or as little as you like.
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Are refreshments provided?
At our in person courses a variety of tea, coffee, water, biscuits and fruit will be provided.
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Can we keep in touch after the course is finished?
Many groups decide to stay in touch, but it's completely up to you.
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Can I attend if I haven't finished treatment?
You'll have finished your active/hospital based treatment, but may still be having hormone, targeted therapy (like Herceptin or abemaciclib), or perhaps waiting for further surgery such as a reconstruction.
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I have another question, can you help?
If you have more questions, reach out to our Moving Forward team at movingforward@breastcancernow.org.