Ballymena to host breast cancer body confidence wellbeing event this April

Emma Wilson, Bra Fitting Coordinator at Cancer Focus NI

Women in Ballymena affected by breast cancer will soon have the chance to take part in a dedicated wellbeing event designed to rebuild confidence and offer practical support during recovery.

Next month, Cancer Focus NI will deliver a series of Breast Cancer Body Confidence Events across Northern Ireland, including a session in Ballymena, aimed at helping women navigate the emotional and physical challenges that can follow treatment.

Funded by the Pink Ribbon Foundation, the events will bring breast cancer specialists directly into local communities. Each session will support up to thirty women, providing a safe and supportive environment to explore body acceptance, self-esteem and practical strategies for coping with treatment side effects.

The initiative follows feedback from women who have used the charity’s bra and swimwear fitting service, many of whom shared concerns about body image after cancer treatment.

In response, Cancer Focus NI has developed a programme focused on restoring confidence and helping women reconnect with their sense of self during and after their breast cancer journey.

The wellbeing events will cover themes including self-care, mindfulness practice, body confidence and peer support.

The first event will take place on Thursday 16 April from 10am to 2.30pm at the charity’s Fermanagh Cancer Support Centre, located at 18 High Street, Enniskillen.

A second session will follow in Ballymena on Thursday 23 April from 10am to 2.30pm at the Leighinmohr Hotel, before the final event takes place in Belfast on Thursday 30 April from 10am to 2.30pm at the Newforge Sports and Event Hub Centre.

Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival, along with lunch for all attendees.

Speaking about the need for the events, Emma Wilson, Bra Fitting Coordinator at Cancer Focus NI, said:

“I hear from local women during their bra and swimwear fitting consultation about how breast cancer has impacted their wellbeing and body confidence. Some patients have even felt unable to look at their scars. My job is to explain that this is a perfectly normal response to treatment and surgery. To remind ladies that they can wear and access pretty and feminine bras.

“I’ve seen tears of pain turn into tears of joy as women see their strong and beautiful selves return in the mirror. A personal and private experience that continually humbles me.”

She added:

“I am absolutely delighted to see the development and delivery of three specialist breast cancer body confidence events. These wellbeing events will give an opportunity for women, who alongside a cancer diagnosis are juggling the demands of life, to rediscover confidence all while embracing their strength and receiving the support needed to help write the next chapter of their lives.”

Women interested in attending can register for the event by emailing care@cancerfocusni.org or calling 028 9066 3281.

At a glance

• Cancer Focus NI will host Breast Cancer Body Confidence Events across Northern Ireland in April.

• One of the events will take place in Ballymena on Thursday 23 April at the Leighinmohr Hotel from 10am to 2.30pm.

• Each event will support up to 30 women affected by breast cancer.

• The initiative follows feedback from women concerned about body image after treatment.

• Sessions will focus on self-care, mindfulness, body confidence and peer support.

• The events are funded by the Pink Ribbon Foundation and delivered by breast cancer specialists.

• Women can register by emailing care@cancerfocusni.org or calling 028 9066 3281.