YWCA Encore Exercise Program

An exercise program designed specifically to target areas affected by breast cancer surgery with the aim of improving mobility, flexibility and strength.  YWCA Encore also aims to boost confidence and self esteem through information sharing sessions.  . Funded by NSW Health, Encore is free and available in rural and metropolitan locations across New South Wales.

What is Encore?

YWCA Encore program is a free gentle exercise program for women of any age, who have had breast cancer surgery at any time in their lives. It is provided in a supportive, non-medical environment.

As well as helping women improve movement, rebuild flexibility and strength after surgery, the classes provide an opportunity for women to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

What does the Encore program involve?

Encore runs over eight weeks, either days or evenings, with women attending for two hours per week.

Most NSW programs run twice a year commencing in February and October. Our specialised programs run in May.

The gentle land and water based exercises were developed in conjunction with health professionals and are designed to increase the level of flexibility and range of movement, minimise the risk of lymphoedema and improve overall fitness levels.

Over the eight weeks, the exercises increase in difficulty and resistance to gradually bring about change. Take Home exercise sheets are also handed out to encourage participants to continue exercising during and after the 8-week program.

 The information sharing sessions include guest speakers on a wide range of health and wellbeing topics, group relaxations and links into the local community. YWCA Encore provides a safe and supportive environment for women who have shared similar experiences.

Women are encouraged to work at their own pace, and within their own ability. With two fully trained facilitators and small group numbers, the program can be tailored to meet individual needs. Participants do not have to be able to swim, and all pools are at a comfortable temperature.

Who runs Encore?

Encore is a National program of The YWCA of Australia. A National Encore advisory committee of health professionals oversees the program to ensure that all Encore programs adhere to best practice standards and the exercises are safe and beneficial. In NSW, ENCORE is delivered by YWCA NSW and is funded by NSW Health.  The Encore program is designed for women who have had breast surgery at any time in their lives, not only those recovering from recent surgery. Everyone is welcome.

YWCA NSW is now delivering programs in the following locations.

Sydney Metro

Bankstown  –Thursday evening
CBD –  Wednesday evening
French’s Forest –Friday late morning
Hornsby –Friday afternoon
Inner West–  Thursday afternoon
Kogarah –Wednesday afternoon
Liverpool –Monday morning
Macarthur –Tuesday evening
Parramatta –  Tuesday evening
Penrith –a Monday evening

Specialised Programs

Bankstown Arabic –Thursday evening
CBD Chinese –Thursday late morning
CBD Young Womens (<45 years)–Wednesday evening

NSW Regional

Albury Wodonga -  Tuesday afternoon
Armidale -  Wednesday evening
Bathurst -  Wednesday morning
Broken Hill - Wednesday evening
Byron Bay –Wednesday morning
Coffs Harbour -  Saturday morning
Central Coast:
 - Berkeley Vale –Tuesday evening
 - Woy Woy –Thursday morning
Cooma -  Wednesday late morning
Dubbo -  Friday afternoon
Goulburn -  Wednesday evening
Grafton - Thursday afternoon
Kempsey –Monday evening
Lismore  - Tuesday evening
Maclean –Tuesday morning
Mittagong –Wednesday afternoon
Murwillumbah –Wednesday early afternoon
Newcastle:
 - Valentine- Monday morning
 - Waratah- Tuesday afternoon/evening
Nowra -  Friday morning
Orange -  Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon
Parkes -  Wednesday morning
Port Macquarie -  Tuesday early afternoon
Tamworth - Thursday morning
Ulladulla - Monday afternoon
Wagga Wagga-  Wednesday afternoon
Wollongong- Tuesday evening

Methodology

Each Encore program is run over an eight week period. Groups consist of between six and fourteen participants who meet once a week for approximately two hours to participate in the Encore land and hydrotherapy exercises, relaxation and information sessions. Each week exercises are complemented with a home exercise sheet which is easy to follow and provides the basis for an ongoing personal home exercise schedule.

How much does Encore cost?

Thanks to NSW Health Funding the ENCORE program is free.

Enrolment in Encore

Participation in the Encore program is by enrolment only and medical consent is required.

For more information or to organise an enrolment pack to be posted to you please contact one of the following:

Phone: 1800 305 150 (Available from landlines only)

Phone: (02) 9285 6264

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Web: www.ywcaencore.org.au 

Last Updated on Thursday, 26 April 2012 14:47