Over the last ten years, YWCA Auckland has delivered Encore, a free gentle exercise programme for women who have had breast cancer treatment, helping over 3,000 women from Kerikeri down to Invercargill. Participants have ranged in age from 29 to 91, and over 80 women have trained to become facilitators.
Following research and needs assessment, the YWCA Auckland Board has re-evaluated its current programmes and decided that the organisation needs to refocus efforts on younger women under the age of 40. This, combined with issues around the financial sustainability of the Encore programme, has led to the decision that YWCA Auckland will no longer be delivering Encore as of 2015.
There are still several Encore programmes that will be delivered around the country before the end of the year, which means that women who have had breast cancer treatment still have a chance to experience the programme and gain the many benefits that come from it.
Programmes still to come will take place in Dunedin, Hawkes Bay, Auckland, Paraparaumu, Greymouth, New Plymouth, Whangarei, Christchurch, Tauranga, Porirua, Rotorua, Upper Hutt and Invercargill. All programmes will be commencing in October.
YWCA Encore is free to all women who have had breast cancer treatment, however registrations are essential, as medical approval is required. Please call 0800 ENCORE to register for programmes, or visit www.akywca.org.nz to find out more.
YWCA Auckland is extremely grateful to the Encore facilitators and assistants who have facilitated local Encore programmes around the country. These incredible women have devoted their time, energy, passion and love to the programme, and Encore could not have reached so many women without their help.
Local funders, the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, Ted & Mollie Carr Endowment and Weem Trusts have also helped make Encore a reality, and YWCA Auckland is very grateful for their support.
YWCA Auckland is committed to the current and future needs of young women in the Auckland area. We will meet these needs with the continuation and growth of the Future Leaders programme, an emergent leadership programme for 14-18 year olds, and with a focus on financial literacy and pay equity further assisting unmet needs within the community we serve.
Remember: Several programmes are still to run starting during October 2014. To register or for more information, please call 0800 ENCORE or visit www.akywca.org.nz to find sessions in your area.
18 September 2014
