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.

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

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