Life Force is a community-based organisation providing a range of psychosocial support services for patients, survivors and carers in Sydney and Regional NSW. Inclusive supportive care programs open to people of all genders and all cancer types, led by professional counsellors and therapists.
- Cancer patient & survivor meetings
- Carer meetings
- Qigong classes
In learning how to cope with and transform our feelings of fear, aloneness, uncertainty, despair ... we have a precious gift - each other.
The individual diagnosed with cancer goes through an intensely personal experience and not only has to deal with the possible impact of the diagnosis on their own mortality but also how to cope with their illness and how to move forward following diagnosis and treatment.
For some, this will mean learning how to live with cancer and for others who are potentially cured, how to live with uncertainties and the many other issues of survivorship. Most people go through an emotional rollercoaster and need ongoing psychological support by knowledgeable sympathetic and caring individuals. Whatever you feel is normal - shock, denial, disbelief, isolation, anger and fear.
Joining a Life Force support group where everyone can share everything they feel in a safe and non-judgmental environment with people going through a similar experience can be helpful for you to process all feelings. This then helps you get to a place of acceptance and begin to think about where you go from here.
For more information and to join one of our groups call Jane on 0412 643 751
25 February
11 March
25 March
8 April
13 May
27 May
10 June
24 June
8 July
29 July
12 August
26 August
9 September
23 September
14 October
28 October
11 November
25 November
9 December
A cancer diagnosis is a devastating experience for patients but it is also extremely stressful for the people who later become the primary source of support and care – usually families and loved ones. Carers' wellbeing may have an impact on the wellbeing of the people they are supporting.
More than 130,000 Australians have been diagnosed with cancer in 2016 alone, and this, of course, has a flow-on effect through the entire community. Taking care of a loved one diagnosed with cancer is extremely demanding and can place a heavy burden on the emotional and physical resources of partners, family members and friends.
Life Force recognises that caring for the physical and emotional needs of carers is an essential part of caring for cancer patients. Attending a support group can help to reduce the distress of carers and enable them to give the best possible support to someone diagnosed with cancer.
Research conducted by Sydney University and the Cancer Council NSW revealed that depression and anxiety are widespread among carers, at an even higher level than that experienced by cancer patients. The impact this has on the quality of life of carers can then also affect the quality of care they are able to provide to a loved one with cancer. It is vital for carers to find support for themselves to help them through these difficult times.
By attending the carers’ support group, both men and women have an opportunity to share their fears and frustrations in a non-judgmental environment and receive encouragement from other people going through a similar experience. They, in turn, can provide wisdom and support to other group members.
For more information and to join call Jane on 0412 643 751
27 February
13 March
27 March
10 April
15 May
29 May
12 June
26 June
10 July
31 July
14 August
28 August
11 September
25 September
16 October
30 October
13 November
27 November
11 December
The retreats that we run in country regions provide an intensive healing program that gives cancer patients ongoing and tangible skills to manage their emotional wellbeing through the days, weeks, and months to follow. Patients may need ongoing support and following the retreat, they are followed up via phone by a qualified counsellor.
Due to the economic needs in the country, these programs are sponsored up to 100%. Your support to the regional program may give someone in need a lifeline. A donation of $80 will support an individual counselling session, $600 will support a single place at a retreat, $6000 will support 10 people, and $12000 will ensure a retreat takes place.