In September, a project which offers support closer to home for Powys residents living with cancer, joined forces with a Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project and offered a series of free guided walks each week on the Monmouth and Brecknockshire canal corridors.
Francesca Bell, the lead guide from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, and Sue Ling from the Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys Programme met up with interested residents and took them on an hour long slow and steady walk. Alongside taking in the beautiful scenery, Francesca shared her knowledge about both the history of the canal network and the plant life that nestles near to the water’s edge.
From native plants and trees such as meadowsweet, ferns, oak, and elderflower trees, to some invasive species like Himalayan Balsam, the guided walks were deemed by all to be a very enjoyable way to spend a Thursday morning. Participants on the week three walk from Pencelli helped to snap the stems of the Himalayan Balsam plant and on week four participants timed their walk just right watching the Talybont automated drawbridge open up for a canal boat travelling through.
Most of the participants had either received treatment for cancer quite recently, were currently having treatment or had lost a loved one to cancer. They all found the walk to be beneficial offering a breath of fresh air ahead of the autumn temperature dropping.
A different walk was organised each week and attracted different participants. One lady – Rosie – who is living with cancer and joined the last two walks said:
“It was very enjoyable. Got me out of the house. I need to spend time in nature, might be gardening or walking, for mental refreshment, but sometimes I need a bit of a push to get my shoes on and go out, especially on my low energy days.”
Other participants commented that it was…
“Good to be in safe group where I can talk about my cancer and be vulnerable. Gave me a push to do some exercise too”
“Very interesting and useful to get information on nature/history from a guide”
Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys at Powys County Council said:
“The ICJ link with this Welsh Government funded project enabled people living with cancer to enjoy some time out and appreciate walking alongside the water which helped them feel a little better in themselves.”
Richard Pugh, Macmillan Partnerships Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said:
“At Macmillan, we know that for people living with cancer, being able to step outside their front door and get back into nature can be really beneficial for their well-being. Our Powys programme is all about improving a person’s quality of life in whatever way matters to them. I’m so glad that these walks appealed and allowed people to chat to others who are also on their cancer journey.”
The canal project is an Enabling Natural Resources and Wellbeing (ENRaW) programme via the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. It’s partners include Powys County Council, Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
The Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys programme is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and offers people a supportive conversation closer to home.
Find out more at: www.powysrpb.org/icjpowys
