Support Groups
The Cancer Council NT conducts a number of support groups to cater for a wide range of client needs. We also have quarterly Information Evenings on various topics of interest. Look out for flyers advertising these through out the year.
Support group meetings provide interaction with peers and the opportunity to share experiences. It is a supportive environment which allows discussion of cancer related issues.
Meeting themes are varied and guest speakers are invited from time to time. There are occasions when the meeting time, date or venue may be changed to fit in with the availability of guest speakers.
If you wish to attend a meeting for the first time or would like some more information, please call the Cancer Council NT office to confirm dates and venues on 08 8927 4888 or email: admin@cancernt.org.au
All Cancers Group (Darwin)
NT Ostomy Support Group (Darwin)
Breast Cancer Social Support Group ( Darwin)
Young Womens Breast Cancer Group (Flamingo Belles) ( Darwin)
The Daisies – Ovarian & Gynaecological Cancer Support Group
Other Support Groups
Look Good...Feel Better
Counsellor Services
Your Body, your mind, Your Life
Client Assistance Scheme
Patient Assistance Fund
NT KROCS Fund
All Cancers Group (Darwin)
The group meets monthly for a coffee afternoon to have a chat and support one another. The group is facilitated by CCNT Nurse Counsellor and has guest speakers requested by the group. The meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at Barbara James House – 9 Mirambeena Street, The Gardens from 2 – 3.30pm.
Alice Springs — Informal coffee mornings are held depending on demand at the CCNT office. For further information contact our Cancer Support Nurse on 08 8953 5920 or email: support.alice@cancernt.org.au
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NT Ostomy Support Group ( Darwin)
The ostomy support group is an informal get together for any Ostomates as well as partners, family members and/or carers.
Medical representatives from the companies who supply stoma appliances attempt to link their visits to Darwin with meeting dates. The product reps use these sessions to explain new products and Ostomates have the opportunity to ask questions.
For information about the meetings and dates please call: 08 8927 4888.
Meeting themes are varied and guest speakers are invited from time to time. There are occasions when the meeting time, date or venue may be changed to fit in with the availability of guest speakers.
If you wish to attend a meeting for the first time, please call the Cancer Council NT office to confirm dates and venues on 08 8927 4888 or email: ostomy@cancernt.org.au
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Breast Cancer Social Support Group ( Darwin)
This social support group caters for the needs of women with breast cancer. Experiences and issues related to breast cancer can be discussed in a confidential environment.
For further information and/or a copy of the annual program, please call the Breast Care Nurse on 08 8927 4035 or email bcn.darwin@cancernt.org.au
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Young Womens Breast Cancer Group (Flamingo Belles) ( Darwin )
The group meets socially and provides support for young women (aged 48 and under) and their partners.
For further information and/or a copy of the groups activities, please call the Breast Care Nurse on 08 8927 4035 or email bcn.darwin@cancernt.org.au
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The Daisies – Ovarian & Gynaecological Cancer Support Group
The group aims to provide the opportunity for women to discuss common issues, share stories, gain information and receive emotional support.
The name daisy originates from 'day's eye' and true to its name, the flower unfolds at dawn – for women in the group this symbolizes their approach to life after their cancer diagnosis - that each day is a new day.
Daisies are also extremely resilient – as are women with ovarian and gynaecological cancers. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 2- 3.30pm at Barbara James House – 9 Mirambeena St, The Gardens.
For further information regarding this group or anything else pertaining to Ovarian & Gynaecological Cancers please contact the Women’s Cancer & Breast Care Nurse on
08 8927 4035 or email bcn.darwin@cancernt.org.au
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Other Support Groups
There are other community support groups catering for people with cancer.
These include breast cancer groups in both Alice Springs and Darwin and a prostate cancer group in Darwin.
For referral to any of the groups mentioned or for further information about support groups, please contact your local Cancer Council office and talk to one of the cancer support nurses:
Alice Springs : 08 8953 5920
Darwin : 08 8927 4888
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Look Good...Feel Better
Attending a Look Good...Feel Better workshop can boost self esteem and help you to be confident and positive during treatment. The two hour workshops are open to any woman with cancer.
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Counsellor Services
It is natural to feel upset and fearful when you learn that you or a person close to you has cancer. Talking with an experienced Counsellor can ease your fears and put you in touch with support, information and other services.
We offer confidential counselling to anyone affected by cancer, including family and carers. Phone 08 8927 4059 or email: support.darwin@cancernt.org.au
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Your Body, your mind, Your Life
It can be hard to feel motivated to exercise after your diagnosis due to both physical and emotional reasons. Research has been shown that exercise after cancer diagnosis and throughout treatment:
- Improves mood;
- Improves sleep;
- Decreases depression;
- Decreases nausea and fatigue; and
- Improves self esteem
Having the opportunity to mix with others who are working through similar life changing experiences and having access to advice and support from a diverse range of health professionals can help make the process seem a little clearer and remind you that you are not alone.
Your Body, Your Mind, Your Life is a community based initiative provided byBodyFit NT and the Cancer Council NT designed to help those diagnosed with cancer maintain their health and wellbeing from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. During this four week program there will be a two hour group session each week consisting of one hour of structured exercise taken by an accredited exercise physiologist followed by one hour of education provided by a cancer nurse, dietician or psychologist, incorporating an holistic approach to treatment, not just through exercise.
The group size will range from six to twelve people so individual attention will be readily available. Individuals who are members of Cancer Council NT and are at any stage of diagnosis or treatment are welcome to apply. The exercises are modified to suit individual needs depending on the type of condition, stage of treatment and previous exposure to exercise. Ongoing support will be available from the Cancer Council NT. To help monitor progress, follow up assessments will also be available at three and six months with BodyFit NT.
Contact the Cancer Council NT on 08 8927 4888 or email: kia@bodyfitnt.com.au
Application Forms available here
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Client Assistance Scheme
The Cancer Council NT has funding available to assist Cancer Council NT members in need while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Please note: The patient, if not a current client of the CCNT, is required to arrange an appointment with one of our Cancer Support Nurses to discuss the assistance required. Financial assistance will not be paid directly to clients through the Client Assistance Scheme.
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Patient Assistance Fund
Assistance can only be given in the form of payment to help with either:
- Payment of a bill that cannot be met due to financial difficulties relating to the patients condition;
- Purchase of goods or services deemed necessary for the health and well being of the patient; or
- Purchase of goods or services to meet the needs of family encumbrance caused by the patient’s health and condition.
Health professionals can contact support services staff at the Cancer Council for a referral. Applications are addressed on an individual basis and restrictions apply.
Application Forms available here
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NT KROCS Fund
The KROCS fund is open to clients 18yrs and under affected by a diagnosis of cancer to assist with a special treat.
For more information please call (08) 8927 4888 or to register for assistance.
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