The programme includes gentle floor and pool-based exercises which are designed to improve movement, flexibility and strength.

Women are encouraged to work at their own speed and to their own ability. Participants do not have to be able to swim and all pools are at a comfortable temperature.

All sessions allow time for relaxation, information sharing, workshops and informal chats over a cup of tea.

Encore sessions are led by a trained instructor who has satisfactorily completed the Encore training programme. The coordinator is helped by an assistant who has an appropriate First Aid certificate and who is a competent swimmer.

As well as training in the exercises, each instructor attends sessions in hydrotherapy, grief and loss, lymphoedema and group management.

Each Encore programme is regularly monitored and evaluated and all coordinators attend professional development classes.

Participation in Encore is FREE.

For more information, call:

0800 ENCORE (0800 362 673) or (09) 375 9249.