Big range of cancer support services available

Are you facing cancer or supporting someone who is? Or maybe adjusting to life post treatments? You may want extra support, or you may just find it useful to talk to someone outside your own circle of friends and family. The Cancer Society is here to help you and your whānau navigate this journey. It recognises that each experience is different and wants to hear about you and your situation and find support and services that will benefit you the most. Depending on your needs, the services can be practical, emotional, physical, or financial.

Practical support includes evidence-based information, support to navigate the health and social service systems, volunteer drivers to get you to and from medical appointments, and library resources, including children's books.

Physical support includes restoration and cancer rehabilitation classes, hats, beanies, scarves, and tailor-made bags that can make the cancer journey more comfortable.

Emotional support includes counselling for both you and your family members, a volunteer from our Home Visitor Programme to support those in the community who are isolated and need a friendly face to visit or chat to, or support groups and cancer information forums, where you can connect with others who are going through a similar experience.

Finances are often one of the biggest causes of stress after a cancer diagnosis. The Society can help with support grant applications, groceries, and travel assistance.

Its mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. Contributing to worldclass research and health promotion activities is an essential part of delivering this mission.

It lends free SunSmart marquees and umbrellas to non-profit groups during the summer months, and develops local health promotion initiatives such as Smokefree 2025 initiatives with schools and local authorities.

Its wrap-around service is provided not just by your local Cancer Society, but also by a team of dedicated and willing volunteers.

Volunteers donate their time in many ways including home visits, driving services and creative creations. They also help with the day-to-day running of offices, producing patient resources and administration tasks.

The Society knows it couldn't provide all it does without their help. If you would like to volunteer, you will receive training and support to become part of the organisation to ultimately help people and their families to live well with cancer.

The Cancer Society is a self-funded charity. It relies on community support to keep on providing services that are appropriate, accessible, and relevant to community members facing cancer.

Please contact the Society if you would like to find out more about support and services or ask your health professionals to refer you; the Society doesn’t automatically receive your referral on diagnosis.

MARLBOROUGH: Hilary, Christabelle, Dallace, Kaye; 76a Maxwell Rd, Blenheim, phone 03 579-4379, email marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz

NELSON: Michelle, Cyndy, Vick, Barbara; 102 Hardy St, phone 03 539-1137, email info@cancernelson.org.nz

MOTUEKA: Tāwhaki and Maureen, 96 High St, phone 03 528-7669, email info@cancernelson.org.nz

The Cancer Society’s Marlborough team, left, and Nelson team, right, are here to support you and your whānau navigate the cancer journey with a myriad of services and support..