0000024165 00000 n Cancer Support Groups: A guide to setting up and maintaining a group (produced by the Cancer Council NSW), which is an easy-to-use and practical guide to setting up and maintaining a support group. Are they prepared to share in other people’s struggles with cancer or in their grief and fears? People meet through chat rooms, listservs, webinars, social media (such as Twitter or Facebook), or moderated discussion groups. Some are sponsored by cancer organizations, while others aren't monitored. Step 7 Decide on an orientation for the group. When painful topics are being avoided, you may have to introduce them. For some it is relatively easy to find a local group, and there are also telephone and online support groups available. 5.

Even though a lot of people receive support from friends and family, the number one reason they join a support group is to be with others who have similar cancer experiences. Helping Patients decide about clinical trials. How much physical activity is recommended? group for other people also affected by cancer. 0000004835 00000 n google_ad_width = 728;

The Cancer Support Community Helpline (888 793-9355) can also help you locate groups.

They can share and talk to others with similar experiences from all over the country. There are many ways that you can be involved in helping yourself & others. Do an online search for groups. ORGANIZING A GROUP. ��zZux��/�(��w�.tx'*2�p~���sYn>!S:�Z7�IoU"����+��. For people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones, there is increasing evidence that support groups can be beneficial in improving not only the day-to-day quality of life but also on your chances of survival. Cancer Care has provided group counseling to cancer patients and their families for more than twenty years.

Begin where the group members are, rather than imposing your own preconceived agenda. 0000211900 00000 n For monthly groups, if you miss a group then it may feel like a very long time before you will get the support you are looking for. Who leads the meetings - a professional or a survivor? Cancer Support Groups – A guide to setting up and maintaining a group This book developed by Cancer Council Australia is for community members and health professionals who are interested in setting up and leading a cancer support group. How to Start a Cancer Support Group in Your Community, Institute for Excellence in Psychosocial Care, How to Start Your Own Cancer Support Goup, For people with specific types of cancer (breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, etc. Encourage networking of group members outside the formal group for additional support and socialization. Discover articles, videos, podcasts and more to help you learn about cancer and find inspiration. Where to go for more information about physical activity, Where to go for more information about body weight, Where to go for more information about alcohol, Early childhood services, schools and workplaces, SPOTLIGHT ON Cancer in the Workplace 2015 - Perth, PaSCE - Palliative and Supportive Care Education, Paul Katris Honours / Masters Scholarships, Collaborative Cancer Grant Scheme for early to mid-career investigators, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour Initiative (GIST), 2020 CCWA Suzanne Cavanagh Early Career Investigator Grants, 2020 CCWA Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, 2020 CCWA Honours and Masters Scholarships, 2020 CCWA Student Vacation Research Scholarships, 2020 CCWA Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour Initiative (GIST), 2019 CCWA Collaborative Cancer Grant Scheme, 2019 CCWA Suzanne Cavanagh Early Career Investigator Grants, 2019 CCWA Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, 2019 CCWA Honours and Masters Scholarships, 2019 CCWA Student Vacation Research Scholarships, 2019 CCWA Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour Initiative (GIST), CCWA Suzanne Cavanagh Early Career Investigator Grants, CCWA Student Vacation Research Scholarships, CCWA Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour Initiative (GIST), Our Research Grants Advisory Committee and its Subcommittees.

(type of cancer, stage of cancer, carers etc), Is there a suitable venue? Initiate and stimulate discussion, and allow common themes to emerge. It could be that your situation or diagnosis is unusual and getting a large enough group of people together who are in the same situation and live within traveling distance is not possible.

At what time will meetings take place? A list of organizations that may provide support, information and financial resources, Help to find a clinical trial that is right for you. /* cancercare160 */ Some can be open to everyone or just for people of a certain age, sex, culture, or religion.

7.

And some find that their need for a support group changes over time.

If there are no support groups available in your community, you may want to start one yourself. Cancer support groups could be what you’re looking for! 0000050672 00000 n Our three institutes help us improve medical outcomes and create better patient experiences. 9. 0000038794 00000 n This resource is available from the Cancer Council New National Voices is a registered charity, number 1057711, and a company limited by guarantee, number 3236543.Registered office: 1st Floor, Bride House, 18-20 Bride Lane, London, EC4Y 8EE. Group members will be looking to you for support and assistance, the group focus will be on the member’s needs. This book developed by Cancer Council Australia is for community members and health professionals who are interested in setting up and leading a cancer support group. Share your cancer journey to enhance the lives of others.

), Gender-specific (just for men or for women), Age-specific (teens, young adults, seniors, etc.

They're also good for people who can't travel to meetings, or live in rural areas. For some it is relatively easy to find a local group, and there are also telephone and online support groups available. Step 3 Enlist the cooperation of administration and staff in planning for the new group. Therefore, always check with your doctor about any cancer information you receive to make sure it's correct. Creating emotional safety in a support group is quite another matter and deserves specific attention. The next thing to consider is why there isn’t already a group in your area. google_ad_slot = "9347033700";

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Please see the list of available cancer support coordinators. It is important to acknowledge that all groups are not successful. 0000003512 00000 n Support groups don't cost much to run - advertising for the group and maybe some refreshments are all you'll probably need to pay for. If you have any questions or feedback about the Hub please email peersupport@nationalvoices.org.uk. Or go to the NCI database. /* cancercareinc */ 0000048389 00000 n

For instance, some groups are just for teens or young children. Ask around in your church if there is anyone like you. It is mainly aimed at groups which focus on providing support and information.

Where will the group meet?

We would love to hear about where and when you have found it useful: info@nationalvoices.org.uk. 2. Share your experiences and help identify the topics that are important to the cancer community. Reinforce the predictability of feelings, placing problems in a universal context when possible. RTI conducts novel psychosocial, behavioral, and survivorship research to support CSC's mission. 8. Step 9 Build in an evaluation process for the group experience. 0000049776 00000 n The rules of first aid are also similar where the first rule is to make sure your safe before you assist others. 0000259990 00000 n Some research shows that joining a support group improves both quality of life and survival. Cancer support groups: a guide to setting up and maintaining a group. A combination of both educational and emotional support. Options include: Here are several questions to consider that will help you decide who might best lead the group: Although this short guide is not comprehensive, I hope it has provided some ideas for you to consider. Who should lead the group is an important decision that will be determined by multiple factors. Unless otherwise stated, all of the content on our website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. These groups focus on family concerns such as role changes, relationship changes, financial worries, and how to support the person with cancer. “How can I start a support group?” is a question I am often asked. Whilst there is no set timeframe that applies to everyone in terms of being in a place where you are ready to assist others, two years can be an indicative time where people are feeling more comfortable with any life adjustments.

3.

How will people travel to and from the group?

), Just for patients, for caregivers or family and friends or a combination, For various stages of the cancer experience (newly diagnosed, treatment, post-treatment, metastatic or advanced disease, long-term survivorship, bereavement), Educational with guest speakers who share medical and other resource information.

“How can I start a support group?” is a question I am often asked.

https://www.peersupportvic.org/index.php/2014-12-15-22-42-49/2014-12-16-02-22-27... Other specific long term conditions and health concerns, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Joining a support group online can be one of a patient's best bets to cope with cancer.

Will monthly or weekly work best?

Another cost might be meeting space, but … 0000050859 00000 n Other advantages of the group modality include an exchange of information about cancer and its treatment; mutual problem-solving especially in dealing with the health care system; support; encouragement; a sense of belonging and socialization. Others talk about just one kind, such as a group for women with breast cancer or one for men with prostate cancer. Are they committed to attending the meetings regularly? Is the main purpose to share feelings, or do people also offer tips to solve common problems.

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0000050196 00000 n 0000049580 00000 n Both have challenges. Instill hope for change and improved quality of life for group members. If you would like to reproduce some or all of this content, see Reuse of NCI Information for guidance about copyright and permissions. the needs of people affected by cancer who want to establish a peer support Patients who are experiencing side effects from therapy and have difficulty leaving their homes particularly benefit from taking part in an online community.

Starting a group can be challenging and time consuming, and it takes a lot of careful planning and thought—yet the rewards can be amazing!