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Support Groups for Cancer Patients & Survivors
Life Force support groups are
designed to help people deal with the emotional impact of a cancer
diagnosis. Research has shown that many
cancer patients cope reasonably well during their treatment phase, but find it
hard to manage tumultuous feelings once they no longer have frequent
appointments with their medical team. As
much as they want their treatment to be over, there is a certain level of
security in knowing that something is being done to treat the disease.
Our support group members are
usually those who have finished active treatment. At this time people can feel very vulnerable
and unsure of how to start picking up the pieces of their lives again. They have suffered a loss; the loss of their
pre-cancer lives, and they need support to find out what their new normal is
now. It is difficult for family and friends to understand that this is a grieving
period, but belonging to a support group with other people who are experiencing
the same feelings, is invaluable in learning how to create a new post-cancer
life.
People at any stage of their
cancer journey can and do benefit from this style of support group as well. Here you can learn how to cope with and
transform your feelings of fear, aloneness, hurt, bewilderment, anxiety and
anger in a safe and encouraging environment.
Life Force groups are run by
professional counsellors and experienced facilitators, all of whom are cancer
survivors themselves. One facilitator in
every group is a meditation teacher with more than 30 years experience. Our members benefit greatly from learning
relaxation techniques and participating in guided imagery at every meeting.
Meetings are held in ten week sessions
in Sydney's Eastern suburbs and the Inner West.
Usually most benefit is gained when members continue for more than one
term.
Support Group for
Carers
A
separate support group for caregivers is held weekly in Annandale. The role of
carer is a difficult and stressful one, and this group offers an opportunity to
share thoughts and feelings with others in a similar situation.
Mutual
understanding and caring and sharing a common predicament is very supportive
and a powerful component of healing. Sadness and anxiety can be put in
perspective by sharing in a supportive environment.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FACILITATORS BEFORE COMING TO YOUR FIRST MEETING
Caro Jonas: 9564 3289 | 0425 296 698
Jane Gillespie: 9908 1702 | 0412 643 751
2010 Term Dates for Life
Force SUPPORT Groups
Cost: $10 for each two hour meeting
Concessions available
Eastern
Suburbs Group for Patients & Survivors
St Josephs Parish Centre
10 Albert Street, Edgecliff
Monday
evenings 5.45 - 7.45 p.m.
Term 1: February
1st - April 5th
Term 2: April
26th - June 28th
Term 3: July
19 - September 20
Term 4: October 11 - December 13
Carers’
Group
Annandale Neighbourhood Centre
79 Johnstone Street, Annandale
Tuesday
evenings 5.45 - 7.45 p.m.
Term 1: February
2 - April 6
Term 2: April
27 - June 29
Term 3: July
20 - September 21
Term 4: October
12 - December 14
Inner West Group for Patients & Survivors
Annandale Neighbourhood Centre
79 Johnstone Street, Annandale
Thursday
evenings 5.45 - 7.45 p.m.
Term 1:
February 4 - April 8
Term 2: April
29 - July 1
Term 3:
July 22 - September 23
Term 4:
October 14 - December 16
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