Strong support networks are critical for the successful treatment of head and neck cancer. We encourage patients to share their journey with others, finding extra strength in those around them. Below you’ll find a number of valuable support groups available for patients with head and neck cancer.
Founded by MercyAscot staff members Lou Tjauw and Belinda Reeves, MercyAscot Head and Neck Support Group is a private Facebook group that also meets in person four times a year. The group was set up to provide a supportive forum for head and neck cancer patients — past or present. It is a relaxed and safe environment for patients to chat and connect with others.
Request to join this private group on Facebook by searching for MercyAscot Head and Neck Support Group or email [email protected].
Support Crew is a free online support platform designed to help anyone dealing with a major life event. At times like this everyone close to you wants to help, but they don’t always know how. Support Crew makes it easy to ask for the help you really need — and shows your loved ones exactly how they can help.
MercyAscot is delighted to sponsor Support Crew, the online support platform that helps friends and family coordinate meals and support for people or patients in need. Our patients have used the platform to request meals, cleaning, transport, childcare and dog walking. Also there are requests for more unique items: changing light bulbs, playdates for husbands, signing petitions for drug funding, helping list items on TradeMe, picking up prescriptions…the list goes on.
Create your free support page at www.supportcrew.co. If you need a hand getting set up, call co-founder Kelly on +64 211 566 566 or email [email protected].
PINC & STEEL is a team of fully qualified cancer rehab physiotherapists. They’re passionate about helping patients with cancer navigate their treatment and minimise side effects. PINC & STEEL has led the cancer rehabilitation movement in New Zealand and Australia since 2005, and is now available in 14 countries across the UK, South Africa, Canada, USA, Brazil and Dubai.
You may be eligible for funding for this programme.
For more information, visit pincandsteel.com.
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is an independent charity dedicated to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer and ensuring cancer care for everyone in New Zealand. It is a pro-active advocate for cancer patients in New Zealand, providing a voice on all kinds of issues including, screening, detection and treatment.
They help and support patients and their whānau through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery in many ways — providing a cancer helpline where patients can talk to a cancer support nurse, offering free counselling and psychological services for people with cancer and their whānau plus more.
For more information visit www.cancer.org.nz