Cancer’s impact is felt long after treatment has finished. Castlemaine Health, in partnership with Castlemaine District Community Health, is building a new, local service to support cancer survivors’ transition from active treatment.
The new program starts in 2017 but before then, Castlemaine Health would like to invite cancer survivors, their families, friends and carers to take part in a focus group. We’d like to hear first-hand what helped and what didn’t, the barriers you faced and what you wish had been available to help once treatment was finished.
Our two focus groups will be held at Castlemaine Health, Cornish Street on:
• Tuesday, 6 December from 7pm-8.30pm
• Thursday, 8 December 1pm-2.30pm
If you’d like to take part or stay updated as the service develops, email events@castlemainehealth.org.au. If you’d like to take part but can’t make it to the focus groups, you can share your experiences via survey, email or over the phone.
Project leader Kerryn James said: “The unique insights and perspectives of those who have survived cancer, and of their families, friends and carers, will be a big help to our work. We’d love to hear their stories.”
Cancer rates have increased markedly in the Mount Alexander Shire over the past 15 years and accessibility to survivorship care is a significant barrier for rural cancer survivors. The ‘Survive and Thrive’ program will help empower cancer survivors to regain strength, health and quality of life by accessing coordinated, multidisciplinary care services close to home.
In August 2016 it was announced that Castlemaine Health was among 13 recipients of a State Government grant sharing $2.92 million, with $149,750 received to implement the program. Castlemaine Health acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
