Support Services
Tasmanian Cancer support and information centres
Cancer Council Tasmania provides a wide range of support services to assist with cancer related issues and needs delivered across our three local offices at no cost to the public.
Trained staff and volunteers are available to assist members of the public with any enquiry or support need relating to cancer which can be made over the phone or by simply dropping in – no appointment is necessary.
Our centres stock a comprehensive range of print resources which are available at no cost to the public and staff can also assist with locating evidence based websites for specific information. There are also well-stocked libraries of resources, including books and dvds available for loan.
To find out more about your local support centre, visit your local Cancer Council Tasmania centre.
Louise Goss
Cancer Support Worker
Marg McKenzie
Cancer Support Coordinator
Megan Blake-Uren
Cancer Support Coordinator
Roslyn Brealey
Cancer Support Coordinator
Sarah De Jonge
Cancer Support Coordinator
Kris Rastovich
Cancer Support Worker
Stan Dupont
Cancer Support Worker
Support Programs
We understand that cancer can have a big impact on how people feel and recognise the many benefits that complementary therapies have for people impacted by cancer at all stages of their diagnosis, treatment and post treatment.
Cancer Council Tasmania offers a number of exercise and mindfulness programs to assist people impacted by cancer to cope with their diagnosis.
Programs are free, they are funded through grants and the generosity of the Tasmanian Community who donate to Cancer Council Tasmania.
All of our programs are endorsed by our Clinical Advisory Group to ensure they reflect best practice are high quality and run by appropriately qualified facilitators.
Mind body activities such as Yoga, Meditation and Exercise are an important part of supportive cancer care. These activities provide a range of mental and physical health benefits. Research shows these activities can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve quality of life for people affected by cancer.
We offer programs across the State that run for one hour a week for six weeks for the following activities:
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Pilates
At some of our centres we also have oncology massage, Bowen Therapy, art therapy and exercise physiology, walking group
Cancer Council Tasmania also run a number of programs online for people unable to visit our centres.
Please call 1 300 65 65 85 for enquiries about any of these programs.
Mindfulness
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Mindfulness has been clinically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It can assist people impacted by cancer to improve their coping skill and quality of life
Testimonials
“This program has been gentle and a reminder to be kind to yourself and others. And to stop and remember to breathe, it’s that simple” class participant
“I was having a really rough times before I came to this class and now I feel like a different person – less uptight, more relaxed and feeling more confident that I can to this at home myself and have some easy things I can do to help myself feel at ease again.” Class participant
Eligibility Criteria
Tasmanians who are diagnosed with or recovering from cancer or accessing palliative care services are eligible for the Support Services Programs. Immediate carers may be eligible to access some programs depending on suitability and availability.
Timetable
Mindfulness classes run for one hour a week for six weeks, call 1300 65 65 85 for details of upcoming programs.
Yoga
What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga reduces anxiety and stress, it improves general wellbeing and quality of life. Our classes are very gentle style of yoga and tailored to the needs of participants.
Testimonials
“I particularly enjoy the Nidra part of our yoga sessions. Sometimes I forget to take the time out to listen & heal myself from the inside-out. These sessions have been an integral part of my recovery from cancer”
“Thank you Cancer Council for organizing and paying for the program when I was sick & unemployed. It was a wonderful gift. Being able to do exercises specific for cancer recovery was very good because I didn't feel useless & alone with this disease. The program gave me a spark of motivation. I was able to perform these exercise outside of the yoga class.”
Eligibility Criteria
Tasmanians who are diagnosed with or recovering from cancer or accessing palliative care services are eligible for the Support Services Programs. Immediate carers may be eligible to access some programs depending on suitability and availability.
Timetable
Yoga classes are available in some of our centres and online, they run one hour a week for six weeks, call 1300 65 65 85 for details of upcoming programs.
Tai Chi
What are the benefits of Tai Chi?
Tai Chi combines gentle movement, deep breathing techniques and meditation. The practise encourages the attention of the whole self, body, mind and heart.
Eligibility Criteria
Tasmanians who are diagnosed with or recovering from cancer or accessing palliative care services are eligible for the Support Services Programs. Immediate carers may be eligible to access some programs depending on suitability and availability.
Testimonials
“It forced me to relax at least once a week. It was nice to meet other people with or connected with cancer”
Timetable
Tai chi classes are available in all of our centres and online, they run one hour a week for six weeks, call 1300 65 65 85 for details of upcoming programs.
Pilates
What are the benefits of Pilates?
There is strong evidence for Pilates improving exercise tolerance and moderate evidence for improving symptoms, muscle strength and health-related quality of life in people impacted by cancer.
Eligibility Criteria
Tasmanians who are diagnosed with or recovering from cancer or accessing palliative care services are eligible for referral to the Support Services Programs. Immediate carers may be eligible to access some programs depending on suitability and availability.
Timetable
Pilate’s classes are available in some of our centres and online, they run one hour a week for six weeks, call 1300 65 65 85 for details of upcoming programs.