Tasmanian cancer support and information centres

Our supportive care team offer one on one or group emotional support, either face to face or over the phone.

Our drop-in centers are based on the Maggies model to be warm and inviting spaces for anyone impacted by cancer to utilise, before, during or after treatment. The Sandy Bay and Launceston centers have full kitchen and lounge facilities and are open 9.30-4.30 with supportive care staff and volunteers available during this time.

Our support groups are facilitated by supportive care staff and provide safe and inclusive, peer support opportunities for people diagnosed by cancer. We have a range of different support groups at each center including face-to-face and online opportunities.

Cancer Council Tasmania offer a variety of activity-based group programs which allow people impacted by cancer to come together and support one another in an informal setting while participating in a shared activity. Examples include walking group, art/craft group and workshops.

Our team of supportive care staff come from a range of different professional health backgrounds and can provide information and resources on a range of oncology related topics, assisting Tasmanians impacted by cancer to navigate their cancer diagnosis. We have a full range of Cancer Council Australia information booklets at each center along with a range or other useful resources.

Complementary therapies focus on the whole person, not just the cancer. They are used alongside conventional medicine and can help people cope better with symptoms of cancer and/or side effects caused by clinical treatments.

The complementary therapy programs offered at Cancer Council Tasmania are evidence-based and approved by our Scientific and Research Committee, to ensure they are safe and high quality. All our programs are facilitated by qualified instructors with experience working in the oncology setting.

All our programs are free and funded through grants and the generosity of the Tasmanian community who donate to Cancer Council Tasmania.

Our supportive care staff work closely with all the hospital and cancer services in Tasmania. We offer outreach at several hospitals and are available for appointments on request. Our team is available to attend off-site community groups or other workshops and can provide information on supporting cancer clients, the emotional impacts of cancer or living well after a cancer diagnosis.

We have a statewide wig fitting service available out of each of our support centres, we also work with regional clients to provide an online fitting service or mailing service if needed. Our wigs are all available for free to anyone that has lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Whilst we do ask people to return the wigs once they no longer require them, wigs are available to keep for as long as needed.

Cancer Council Tasmania’s transport2treatment service (t2t) provides transport support to Tasmanians having difficulty getting to and from their cancer treatment appointments. t2t offers a safe and supportive environment for clients.

T2t operates Monday to Friday across Tasmania. It is funded by Cancer Council Tasmania through public fundraising and donations and is made possible by our dedicated volunteer drivers. There are no out of pockets costs for eligible patients.

Thanks to the generous support of our Tasmanian donors, Cancer Council Tasmania are able to offer a limited amount of financial relief funding, available for people affected by cancer that are experiencing financial distress.

Some clients may be eligible for referral to the cancer council prob bono financial, legal or workplace advice program, if you have concerns or questions about this you can ask one of our supportive care staff.

Our supportive care services are available for all Tasmanians regardless of where you live. Support in various forms is available online, over the phone and in some regional areas.