More than medicine: how the Cancer Council ACT’s free wellbeing programs build community
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Wellbeing programs from the Cancer Council ACT are bringing hope and support to cancer patients and their carers across the territory – all at no cost.
The suite of services – which range from Mat Pilates classes to Harp Yoga sessions – are helping patients manage their cancer journey through complementary therapy sessions and lifestyle sessions aimed at improving overall health and wellbeing.
Originally launched in 2023, the ENHANCE Wellbeing programs are open to anyone affected by cancer who has received treatment in in the ACT, whether it’s during a diagnosis, treatment or even post-treatment.
Including everything from gentle movement classes to creative expression, Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins says that programs are designed to support both physical and emotional health during cancer treatment and recovery for both patients and their careers.
“The initiative emerged from valuable feedback from our clients, observations from our staff, and insights from healthcare professionals at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre, including specialists, doctors, and cancer nurse specialists,” she explains.
“They helped us identify a critical need for accessible activities during the post-treatment phase. What we found was that after patients finish their active treatment – often marked by ringing the bell in celebration – there’s a sudden shift from an intensive treatment schedule to uncertainty about next steps.”
Along with offering Mat Pilates, Yin Yoga, Nordic Walking, Tai Chi and Walk n Talk sessions tailored to the needs and energy of levels of attendees, for those seeking social connection, regular coffee catchups are also included to provide a welcoming space to share experiences with others who understand the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Meanwhile, the guided drawing classes offer a therapeutic creative outlet (requiring no previous artistic experience) and the Blokes Boardgames sessions offer male-identifying participants affected by cancer a fantastic opportunity to connect with others while discovering a fun and engaging hobby.
“We only include activities that have been researched and are evidence-based therapies that are safe and beneficial. We call these complimentary therapies, which is are different to alternative therapies,” explains Verity.
“Complementary therapies work alongside conventional medical treatments, and they may help manage side effects…the benefits are both mental and emotional, as well as being a gentle reintroduction into physical movement. It allows participants to slowly ease back into safe and effective ways gently move their bodies, whether that’s before, during or after the treatment.”
“But really importantly, it’s fostering sense of community and allowing participants to kind of connect with other people who really understand.”
While the programs are free to attend, registrations are required for all sessions as there are limited spaces available. Running across various dates, Verity says one of the benefits of the programs is their flexibility.
Offering participants to try as many as they would like to find that works for them and their needs, she explains by removing the barriers of cost and commitment, they’re highly accessible for anyone looking to expand their support network.
“We’re really expecting and hoping that people can find a bit of a support network, that they can gain some practical tools that will help improve their overall wellbeing during and after treatment, and that really we’re empowering people to continue whatever activities that they find suits them,” she says.
“The connections formed during these sessions have been profound. As one participant, Catherine, shared with us: ‘The connections with other cancer patients and survivors has been amazing. We talk about cancer freely, and it is received with understanding. We have a good laugh and share great tips, but most of all, I no longer feel alone with it all’.”
Also open to carers, for more information about the ENHANCE Wellbeing program, visit actcancer.org/support/enhance-wellbeing
