Support Services
Support Groups in Tasmania
What is a support group?
A support group is a group of people who come together regularly to discuss their common experience.
Support groups offer emotional support to people with cancer at a time when they may feel alone, vulnerable and frightened. Cancer support groups provide a safe place for people affected by cancer to come together, develop friendships, share ideas and thoughts in a safe and confidential environment.
Even though people often receive support from family and friends, research shows that the main reason people join support groups are to:
- feel less alone and isolated
- feel understood by others affects by cancer
- give and receive support.
- get information about current medical research from health professionals
- become informed about cancer treatments and side effects
- hear how other people cope with cancer
- share thoughts and ideas
- listen to one another in a non-judgemental and caring environment
- develop friendships.
Cancer Council Tasmania has a range of support groups available throughout the State. A professional staff member from the Cancer Council facilitates each group, sometimes in conjunction with a health professional specialising in the particular type of cancer or volunteers who have undergone specific training.
- Groups generally meet on a monthly basis.
- New members always welcome but registrations are required for all participants.
- For further information call 1300 65 65 85 or use the email links below.
Southern Cancer Support Groups
Gynaecological Support Group
For women with a gynaecological cancer diagnosis. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Sandy Bay. For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicessouth@cancertas.org.au
Head and Neck
For adults diagnosed with any type of cancer of the head or neck region. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Sandy Bay.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicessouth@cancertas.org.au
Hobart All Cancers
For adults impacted by any type of cancer and their immediate carers. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Sandy Bay.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicessouth@cancertas.org.au
Huon Valley
For adults living in the Huon Valley who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer, their carers and the bereaved. Held in Huonville.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicessouth@cancertas.org.au
Prostate
For men impacted by prostate cancer and their immediate carers. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Sandy Bay.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicessouth@cancertas.org.au
Semi Colons
For adults impacted by colorectal/bowel cancer and their immediate carers. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Sandy Bay.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicessouth@cancertas.org.au
Northern Cancer Support Groups
Men’s Cancer Support Group
For men with any type of cancer. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Launceston.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnorth@cancertas.org.au
Gynaecological Support Group
For women with a gynaecological cancer diagnosis. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Launceston.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnorth@cancertas.org.au
General Cancer Support Group
For all men and women with a cancer diagnosis. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Launceston.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnorth@cancertas.org.au
Breast Cancer Support Group
For women with a breast cancer diagnosis. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Launceston.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnorth@cancertas.org.au
Colorectal Support Group
For men and women with a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Launceston.
For more details and registration contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnorth@cancertas.org.au
Leukaemia Cancer Support Group
For men and women with a blood cancer diagnosis. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Launceston.
Contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnorth@cancertas.org.au
North West Cancer Support Groups
Expressions Through Art - Cancer Support Group
This group invites you to explore and express some of your experiences through art in a safe, supported and enjoyable way. For all men and women with a cancer diagnosis. No experience or artistic skills required, and no cost to participate. All art supplies provided. Held at the Cancer Council Support Centre in Devonport.
For further information and registrations contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnw@cancertas.org.au
Sheffield Cancer Support Group
For all men and women with a cancer diagnosis. Held in Sheffield.
For further information and registrations contact 1300 65 65 85 or supportservicesnw@cancertas.org.au
Telephone and internet Cancer Support Groups
There are a variety of telephone and internet cancer support groups available to those patients and carers who prefer the convenience and privacy of receiving peer-related support in their own home. Each group is facilitated by trained professional staff. Participation is free and members are from all states of Australia. For more information contact us on 03 6169 1900, or call the national Referral line on 1300 755 632.
Support services enquiry form
If you are interested in participating in any of our programs either online or in one of our centres please complete the online form below or call 1300 656585 for more information. One of our support team will be in touch with you to follow up.