The Wellness Lounge has now reopened for patients, family and carers attending for treatment and appointments at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.
People are welcome sit and relax, bring a book to read, browse information and resources, use the massage chair,and discuss head wear and the free wig library with staff. Opening days are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm.
We understand this is a difficult time for everyone. If you have concerns or would like a chat please call the Wellness Lounge on 4215 3831. If unattended, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Barwon Health's Andrew Love Cancer Centre (ALCC) Wellness Lounge provides support, care and community for patients and their families in the Geelong region.
Based on wellness centres such as the Olivia Newton John Centre and the Maggie Centres in the UK, the ALCC Wellness Lounge is a beautiful, relaxing and welcoming space.
Visitors may use the space to:
- Rest and be alone
- Share a sense of community
- Have a cup of tea and something to eat
- Use the massage chair
- Use the computers or iPads
- Find information
- Attend a support group or any event or activity being offered
- Make use of the free wig library
- Borrow a book, DVD or jigsaw puzzle
- Make use of donated items
- Wait for an appointment
ALCC Wellness Lounge Activities
Mindfulness and Relaxation Sessions
Put simply, mindfulness is being aware and focused on now. Whatever is being felt, thought or observed now and not labelling that with good/bad or right/wrong etc. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and sometimes to improve treatment outcomes in cancer patients. You will be guided in different activities that may help you cope with treatment, side-effects and to support your stress management and wellbeing in general. Join the group for a cuppa and chat in the kitchen from 9.45am before the session at 10.00am.
Yoga
This mindful form of breath and movement is again being offered to patients of Andrew Love Cancer Centre. Our yoga teacher Lorna Fox has been through her own cancer journey and brings her knowledge and understanding to the sessions. Participants are encouraged to do what is right for them on the day – there is no judgement about what can and cannot be done in the sessions.
Our program has been specifically developed to accommodate the varying needs of patients at any stage of treatment and beyond and is customised for individuals on the day.
Why: Research shows that yoga can reduce anxiety and the effects of stress, improve sleep and mood, and increase energy in people experiencing cancer. (References on request.)
Who: Any cancer patient and their carer is welcome to participate whether they have tried yoga before or not.
Hand and Feet Massage
It seems obvious that massage brings relaxation and this is supported through research. Studies have shown that massage can reduce stress, anxiety, pain, nausea and depression. Our lovely volunteer Frances provides hand and feet massage in the ALCC Wellness Lounge. Bookings can be made by calling the wellness coordinator or in person on the day.
Art for Fun
Art for Fun is facilitated by volunteer Cas Duff, a nurse and art enthusiast. From watercolor to chalk and collage - no artistic talent required, just a wish to try something new and have some fun with others.
This is a fun exercise using self-expression that provides a social outlet and helps with anxiety, depression and coping.
Morning Tea
Everyone is welcome and it can be a great way to meet other people going through similar experiences.
Crochet and Chat
Whether you can crochet or knit, or not, this is a fun activity for everyone to join and there is always someone who can teach you. Have a cuppa and chat around the kitchen table while you create.
Products are made from donated wool and the group runs a stall on the fourth Thursday of the month to raise funds for the ALCC Wellness Lounge.
Cancer support groups
There are a number of cancer support groups who meet in the ALCC Wellness Lounge.
If you are interested in joining a support group, you can talk to the ALCC Wellness Lounge coordinator, nurse coordinators, social workers or spiritual care worker.
Look Good Feel Better
This program provides a fun session on makeup and hair coverings including wigs for women experiencing cancer. You can register online at:
lgfb.org.au.
Cook.Eat.Share
Guest chef, Gregory Landsman, will demonstrate how to prepare simple, tasty and nutritious meals. Our dietician, Hilary, will be present to answer any questions about diet and nutrition.
Everyone is welcome to attend and join in. The prepared lunch will be shared by the group after the demonstration and recipes will be available to take home.
