stories of hope
“I really felt this programme successfully focused on carers and the issues carers have. Handled differently, carers could feel they are heading for an early death if they don't sleep or manage their stress levels themselves, which is very burdensome. I genuinely felt a sense of support from the facilitators, the materials and the participants. The change for me is to have an understanding of any of the components to pay attention to, on any day, to focus on my wellbeing”
Participants of Carers in Scotland - Digital iHope
“I enjoyed sharing this course with other carers. It was good to have something to do that was just focusing on what needs we have. And that we are not just carers, but people too, with feelings and emotions."
Kerrie - Carer of person living with dementia - Digital iHope
Image Contributions from participants of Carers in Scotland Digital iHope Programme
Goal to knit “Harry Styles” jumper for granddaughter; goal to get new nails – new treat for myself; Goal to tidy kids room; Gratitude for the first pepper! Grateful for dog walk; Grateful that I found lost ring (tidied up 10 drawers in process); Goal to finish knitted toy to relax; Grateful for Precious family time on the beach; Run complete – goal completed.
“I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and was in a lot of shock. I was recommended the Hope course from my Macmillan nurse. When I started, I was Pre-surgery and when I finished, I was post-surgery. It helped me to stay calm and believe that all would be ok. I felt I wasn’t alone and the feelings I had were the same as others. I like the support you receive, and someone always leaves lovely comments on your feed. I feel happier and more reassured about the future and will continue to use the activities to help with anxiety.”
Kim - Living With Cancer - Digital iHope
“I haven’t felt more like myself as I do now in years, the mentors we amazing, the topics and videos really teach how to look at things differently and most importantly that’s by changing the way we think about things makes life easier I’ve recommended this course to so many people including strangers that are struggling or suffering, I can’t thank the team enough and if you are wondering if this course is for you then Give it a try you have nothing to lose but so much to gain!”
Hayley - Long Term Conditions - Digital iHope
“Goal setting is great and well structured, I love that the emphasis is on the goal setter to overcome barriers and own the outcome. The gratitude wall is great and became a bit of a social hub.”
Workplace wellbeing participant - Digital iHope
“The Hope Programme has been a real turning point in my life. I must say I was feeling pretty sorry for myself before embarking on it, 14 months on from my son’s diagnosis. But through the programme I feel like I have broken the downward cycle.”
Parent of child with cancer - Digital iHope
“We learnt how to turn our negative thoughts into positive ones, how to communicate better with people, how to deal with problems caused by stress, depression, arguments and illness. We set ourselves a goal each week, and achieving it gave a good feeling of successes! I would heartily recommend joining the Hope Programme. It has been a really worthwhile and helpful experience. My thanks to all concerned.”
Person living with MS - Face-to-face Hope
David shares his experience of completing the Macmillan Cancer Support online Hope Programme at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
“For me, the Hope Programme taught me tools that I applied in my life and gave me the guidance on how to deal with life. For me it was all about breaking problems down and learning how to be proactive. The tools have really taught me that I can be self-sufficient and mange my health and my life.”
Person living with HIV - Face-to-face Hope
“I have learned something from everyone, including how to be more positive and set goals to achieve more. We have enjoyed a lot of laughter and some sadness - to meet others with similar issues has been a good thing.”
Parent of child with autism - Face-to-face Hope
“Knowing that feeling overwhelmed, guilty and bossy sometimes is normal and that I have many strengths”
Participants of Carers in Scotland - Digital iHope
“I was very sceptical about starting the HOPE program, kept telling myself "it's not for me, meeting people and listening to others who are the same as me (unhappy, depressed, in pain etc)" Surely that would just make me more depressed?! My friend encouraged me to sign up, explaining the others who sign up as well may need help, they wouldn't be signing up otherwise. Whilst I could be encouraging others it may also help me at the same time .... she was so, so right!!! HOPE has been absolutely amazing for my mental health/wellbeing. There has been so much support from the facilitators and meeting others who are living with exactly the same challenges as myself has been great to see/hear/read - we were not alone after all and being able to share/learn different strategies on how to deal with certain experiences has been so rewarding!”
Julie - Long COVID - Digital iHope
“I saw something which mentioned the Hope program, thank goodness I did, it has helped me so much, and I feel back on track, probably to be truthful, better than I have for a long time, I Do have hope back! The funny thing is I feel so much better I have been doing a lot more and several times have forgotten to complete the sessions. I think it would be nice in say 6 months to log back in with an update.”
Jan - Long Term Conditions - Digital iHope
“I joined the Hope Programme. I look after my mum. Since I joined I became more assertive. Before I used to feel guilty by saying no to my mum if I wanted my me time.
Now I have my own time. It encouraged me to go for a walk every day. Still continue to do that. Walking makes me feel relaxed. Every month I finish my walking challenge I will award myself. Thanks for all your help. “
Bhupinder - Carer - Digital iHope
“Bit of a wake up call in relation to how my health and wellbeing is suffering and what I need to do about it”
Participants of Carers in Scotland - Digital iHope
“It was wonderful to have access to this course in my own home at my own pace so I could do as little or as much as I wanted each day. I could join in the forums as much or as little as I liked and had access to a fab course.”
Person living with cancer - Digital iHope
“The Hope Programme was excellent. It enabled me to meet other people in similar situations to myself. It made me realise I was not on my own and that you can deal with cancer and hopefully come out stronger at the other end. The support from the two tutors was wonderful. I feel this course was an enormous help to me, and would also help many other cancer sufferers. There was real understanding in this course.”
Person living with cancer - Face-to-face Hope
I enjoyed the coming together with others in a similar situation, being able to talk about the caring experience to people sympathetic and able to suggest possible solutions and without feeling guilty about ‘boring’ them.”
Carer of person living with dementia - Face-to-face Hope
“I was overwhelmed at the beginning, juggling lots so was always behind. I’m now walking again, doing yoga, building up my confidence. Now when I’m having a hard week, I take a step back and ask myself, what can I do to help me. Before I would add it to my ‘I can’t do that’ list. Now I will give it a try”.
Participants of Carers in Scotland - Digital iHope
“I say yes to it all. Positive thinking, interaction with people on the course, goal setting gives confidence, change of faces. Hope, positive thinking has helped, enjoyment and the fun of meeting, an eye opener of other people’s problems, and the privilege of meeting people similar to me.”
Person living with dementia - Face-to-face Hope
The breathing exercise I thought that really helps. Not necessarily just at night times but any time. If you are feeling a bit down its actually helped slow your heart rate down which is brings you more, reduces your anxiety which is good”
Person living with depression - Face-to-face Hope
“Such a worthwhile investment in time. I have taken so much away from this course and honestly do feel I am in a better place than I was six weeks ago. I still have a long way to go, but I have a better understanding of why I feel the way I do and now I have the toolkit to help reframe that into something more positive.”
Cancer survivor - Digital Hope with virtual get togethers
“It’s been a positive experience I nearly chickened out at the last minute but I'm glad I didn't. I feel much more positive for the future. The course helped me open up conversation with my son. I was inclined to use the you phrases where I can see and understand letting him know my thoughts and feelings is a better approach. It was good to be able to read and take in in my own time with no pressure to do any assignment unless I wanted to Thank you all.”
Participants of Carers in Scotland - Digital iHope