Support Services Update Happy New Year to you all - we hope you have had an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of 2020 and find some time for rest and self-care throughout the festive season. We are looking forward to the conversations and connection that 2021 will surely bring as we offer our support to Tasmanians impacted by cancer. We run a number of Support Groups at Cancer Council Tasmania which have been on hold during 2020. If you are a member of one of these groups or are looking for support of this kind, we will be re-starting our groups in 2021 and will have more information in our February E-News. Our Support Team is very happy to welcome Louise Goss (pictured, left) back into the Southern Cancer Support Centre from the 19th January, following her secondment to QUIT Tasmania during 2020. Complementary Therapy Programs Many complementary therapies focus on the mind–body connection in different ways. Scientific studies suggest that mind–body techniques can benefit people who have cancer by reducing the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment. These may include pain, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, fear and difficulty sleeping, which can all affect mood and overall wellbeing. With that in mind, we are once again running a number of Complementary Therapy programs commencing in the New Year. Programs include Massage, Mindfulness, Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. All programs are run by qualified facilitators. For more information about what’s being offered in your local centre and online please call 1300 65 65 85. Seize the Day Educational Scholarships Our Seize the Day Educational Scholarships are open until 1st March 2021 – if you know a young person aged 16-25 who is impacted by cancer and will be engaged in post-secondary studies in 2021, please have them contact us for more information. We offer the following Support Services: - Individual Support - Support Groups - Complementary Therapy Programs - Financial Assistance - transport2treatment - Wig Library - Pro-Bono Program for free legal, financial and business advice (means tested) - Support for Under 25s Wig Library & Headwear One of the more confronting aspects of cancer treatment can be losing hair and many people find that a well-fitted wig gives them more self-confidence during cancer treatment. Our wig service is free, private and personalised. We provide a state wide wig loan service that offers wigs in our centres or by post. Staff are able to assist with wig fittings, styling and how to look after your wig. We recognise that wigs may not be for everyone, so in each of our centres we offer a range of headwear that includes turbans, scarves and hats. You can find further help online with these videos that demonstrate tips for anyone learning how to choose, wear and style a headscarf or wig. Wigs and headscarf demonstrations Information Resources Our "What to Expect" resources offer information about what you can expect during each stage of treatment and beyond, including initial investigations, diagnosis and staging, treatment and if cancer returns. These double-sided information sheets have simple, succinct language to reduce uncertainty through your cancer experience. Please call us if you’d like to know more – we are very happy to put resources in the mail for you, or you can access them online here: cancercareguides.org.au Community Services for Carers “Caring for someone is, I believe, one of the purest forms of love” – Khang Chiem, carer. If you are caring for someone with a life-limiting illness, the Carer Help website has so many helpful resources for people at all stages of the caring journey: www.carerhelp.com.au Your Caring Way is a vocational program which focusses on carers, helping you to realise your dreams and ambitions. We all know the wonderful selfless work that many people undertake when they take on a caring role but we also recognise that sometimes their own needs aren’t met. Your Caring Way aims to assist carers with training, or employment, or other pursuits. These goals could include upskilling existing Carer skills with training, volunteering, career guidance and job-seeking skills. For more information: https://yourcaringway.com.au/contact-us/ |