News

It has been one year since the Supportive Care Centre (SCC) opened at University Hosputal Geelong and it has seen quite a transformation.

A lot of work has gone into creating a warm and welcoming space for those affected by cancer. From the addition of plants, knitting, coloring books and jigsaw puzzles to the recruitment of volunteers to bake and help welcome and orient people to the SCC. 

After a three month pilot program of evidence-based support services, we now have a regular program of yoga, mindfulness, art and massage. Other activities include a crochet group, patient and carer morning tea and choir for fun (run in conjunction with The Sanctuary). 

We have a number of cancer support groups meeting in the SCC including the Grace Group, bowel and general cancer, peace of mind foundation, myeloma support group and the prostate cancer support group.

In a few weeks we will be starting a men’s only community kitchen run by our volunteer Craig. This exciting venture will bring men together to support one another over cooking and preparing meals.

Apart from having trained volunteers to talk with, we have several professional staff situated in the SCC also. The oncology social work team rotates through the SCC and we have a spiritual care worker present on Tuesdays but also on request.

The computers are up and running with Wi-Fi and we also have iPads with headphones (some with games downloaded on them) available for use.

Lots of information has been placed in the centre. We have several bookshelves with books available to loan (novels don’t need to come back) and many support brochures to take home.

We update information about events or news on the SCC noticeboard. You will also find brochures about activities being run in the SCC. We have a sandwich board at the entrance which will tells people what is on for the day and printed monthly timetables.

We have an ever expanding wig library with donated wigs which have been checked over by Margaret Helman our local wig creator. There is no cost to borrow the wigs.

A small pop-up shop at the entrance to the SCC has lovely things created by local artisans, from head scarves, jewelry and skin care to books about mindfulness. There are also many items that have been donated by very generous people in our community. It has become a last minute gift stop for many people and provides some much- needed funds to help run the Centre.

There are educational programs also offered including Look Good Feel Better, Wellness and Life After Cancer workshops and Navigating Centrelink. Others to come are Advanced Care Planning and Writing Your Life Story to name a few.

We are always seeking the feedback and ideas of cancer patients and loved ones about what they would find helpful for us to offer in the Supportive Care Centre. There is an envelope wall inside the entrance where people can leave feedback, a guest book and a community feedback box.

Patients and their loved ones are welcome to come and visit any time, have a cup of tea, relax and read or do some knitting and jigsaws. They are also welcome to join any of the activities and sessions offered as well as speak to a volunteer, staff member or other visitors to the SCC.

Thank you for your support, it has been a wonderful year!