Getting ready for Moving Forward online
Thank you for registering for Moving Forward. We’re really looking forward to meeting you when you join us for your course. To help you get ready, we’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers.
Our Moving Forward information hub is packed full of resources to support you as you get ready for your course. You can view recordings of past Speakers Live webinar sessions and access guides. And everything is organised by topic to make it easy to find. Visit the information hub to get started.
How do I order my Moving Forward journal?
Order, download or print out a copy of your Moving Forward journal.
This is an important part of the course, and we’ll look through it together on the day. If you choose to order a copy, please allow up to 10 days for delivery.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you feel comfortable, we’d love you to bring an object or item to share with the group. Something that reflects how you’re feeling or tells us a bit about you.
How do I use Zoom?
Our online courses take place on Zoom. Please read our guidance on how to set up Zoom on your phone, tablet or laptop before the event. If you’re still having trouble, let us know and someone on the team can talk you through it.
How many people will be on the course?
We keep our groups small. There’ll be no more than 15 people at each course.
What topics will we cover?
Week 1 - Looking back to move forward: This session offers a safe and supportive space to share anything that's on your mind and explore what you need to start moving forward. It's an opportunity to acknowledge your experience.
Week 2 - Moving forward: Here, you'll discover practical tools to help you adjust to daily life. We'll guide you through the '5 Ways to Wellbeing' and offer online resources on topics like activity levels, mental wellbeing, lymphoedema, menopausal symptoms, managing worries of the cancer coming back, and eating well. You'll also have a chance to ask questions to a healthcare professional in a Q&A session.
To help you find the right information for you, you’ll also get a Moving Forward journal and access to online resources.
Do I have to speak or go on camera?
At our online course, we encourage you to keep your camera on. It helps everyone to feel more connected. We’ll also invite you to introduce yourself, ask any questions and contribute to group discussions if you want to.
Are the events confidential?
All our groups are confidential, creating a safe and private space for you to share. At the start of every group, we remind everyone that what people share in the group stays in the group.
Are online sessions accessible?
We want our online sessions to be accessible to everyone. You can use our Zoom guidance to get set up on Zoom for the online course. If you’re still having trouble, or need additional support to take part online, please email servicesbusinesssupport@breastcancernow.org and we’ll do what we can to make sure you can take part.
What do other people say about Moving Forward online?
I signed up for a Moving Forward course not really knowing what to expect. Without doubt it was one of the best things I did since treatment ended. I can’t thank Breast Cancer Now enough for their support - and for the new friends I made who have a personal understanding of the ups and downs of life following diagnosis.
I came across Breast Cancer Now by accident. Their support services helped me through some very dark, lonely days. I am delighted to have been selected as a volunteer.
What do our facilitators say?
My name’s Lorraine. I’m a facilitator for Moving Forward. I wanted to tell you a bit about how your facilitator will support you. The role of a Moving Forward facilitator.
"I’ve had my own experience of breast cancer. I know what it’s like to struggle with readjusting to "normal" life after treatment.
"It’s our job to help participants like you to get the most out of Moving Forward. In a practical sense, we’re the friendly face who greets you when you arrive. We introduce the course and guide the group through different topics, with support from volunteers who've had breast cancer.
"We’ll also look out for you during the course and do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and safe. And if you need more support, we’ll point you towards some good options.
"And while everyone’s breast cancer experience is unique, lots of us have similar worries. It can be such a relief to talk with other people who’ve had a diagnosis.
"Moving Forward is a space where it’s safe to share your thoughts and feelings with others who understand. I love how much the participants support each other.
"It’s always rewarding to see people change during the course.
"People often arrive at Moving Forward feeling tired and worrying that Moving Forward might not be for them. But by the end they have a new level of energy. They seem much more resilient, often with a new network of friends. They’re determined to use their new tools and knowledge to live well beyond their breast cancer treatment.
Do I have to attend all the sessions?
We encourage attending both weeks of the same course, so that you can get the most out of it and make strong connections with your group.
We understand that sometimes you might not feel well enough to attend, plans change unexpectedly and you might not be able to come anymore and that’s totally OK.
What if I can't make a session?
If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as you can so that we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list. We’ll send you reminders leading up to the course start date and you’ll be able to cancel your reservation on our online booking system.
Can I bring someone?
Our courses are designed as a confidential space exclusively for people who have experienced primary breast cancer. Therefore, we kindly ask that you attend alone.
We offer free, confidential support for anyone close to you through our Helpline and Someone Like Me service.
Will my employer give me time off to attend?
If you're working, your employer should allow you time to attend. Please contact us if you're experiencing any difficulties, and we can provide you with a letter to give to them.
I have another question, can you help?
If you have more questions, please reach out to our Moving Forward team at movingforward@breastcancernow.org or call us on 0345 077 1893.
You can also head to the Moving Forward information hub to find more resources before, during and after the course.