HopeSpring offers individual and group support programs which are free and confidential. This service is available to those with cancer, and their family and friends. Please feel free to drop in or contact us to discuss which programs might be best for you. Support Hours- Monday to Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Both locations)
- Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:00-9:00 pm (Cambridge)
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings, 6:00-9:00 pm (Waterloo)
- Saturdays, 9:30 am-3:00 pm (Waterloo)
Peer Support Talking to someone who has travelled down the same road can help cancer patients, their families, and those supporting them feel less alone. Many people also find it is a great relief to talk freely with someone outside their circle of family and friends. Our trained volunteers and staff are always available to provide this support to members. Many volunteers are themselves cancer survivors, or have supported a family member or friend with cancer. Group Support ProgramsOur sessions take place in a helpful, positive, and compassionate environment. There is never any pressure to speak or take part in the activities. You are most welcome to drop in and see if group support can be of benefit to you.
Studies show that people who join support groups report higher levels of life satisfaction, reduced use of health-care services and treatments, increased self-esteem, improved coping skills, and a more positive attitude towards their problems. Please note: Groups are often only held in one location. You are more than welcome to attend groups at either HopeSpring location. Women's Support Group (Cambridge) Support group for women with cancer. Share your concerns, ask questions and gain support and strength Group Meets: Every Tuesday afternoon, 1:00-2:30 pm (Cambridge) Facilitator: June Anderson works as Chaplain & Program Coordinator for a women's program at the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank. She is a theological graduate from the Centre for Christian Studies (Toronto), St. Stephen's College (Edmonton) & the Toronto School of Theology's Jubilee Program in Spiritual Direction. As a group facilitator she leads retreats and workshops that are both spiritually & personally enriching. | Women's Group (Waterloo) This program takes a closer look at what's really important in our lives and how we want to live. Meets weekly for six weeks. Group meets: Every Tuesday morning, 100:-11:30 (Waterloo). Call for next program start time. | Men's Group Our discussion group for men with all types of cancer. Group meets: 1st Wednesday evening of the month, 7:00-8:30 pm (Cambridge) | Caregiver Support Group This program provides an opportunity for individuals caring for someone with cancer to gain insight and practical advice. The program features opportunities for discussion as well as more structured activities. Group meets: Every Thursday evening, 7:00-8:30 pm (Cambridge) | Young Adult Group A group for Teens and Young Adults with a family member with cancer. Having a family member who has cancer can be unsettling and difficult. It may create depression, anxiety and uncertainty about what is going on in your life. It is sometimes hard to share your feelings and fears with your friends and family - they just don't understand. Well, we understand and we can help. Join us on Thursday evenings to meet other young adults with similar concerns. This group is relaxed, private and totally confidential. We provide lots of snacks, a comfortable place to hang out and Holly, our facilitator, to keep things on course. (She is great and she really 'gets it'!) Learn techniques and gain insight that will help you manage this very challenging time. Group meets: Every Thursday evening, 7:00-8:30 pm (Cambridge) Facilitator: Holly Mathers | Parents of Children Affected by Cancer This drop-in peer support is for parents of kids who have cancer or who have gone through or are going through a similar experience to share ideas, support or stories in a casual and welcoming environment. Group meets: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:00-8:30 pm (Waterloo) | Prostate Cancer Support Group The Prostate Cancer Support Group provides both patients and their spouses or other caregivers with an opportunity to discuss the impact of the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Areas of discussion may include the fear and confusion associated with cancer, the changes to one's life, the impact on family and friends, concerns for the future and coping with treatment and side effects. Speakers are also invited on occasion.
Group Meets: 4th Wednesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 pm (Waterloo)
Facilitator: David Gilhula David has facilitated meditation groups in the past. He has attended many personal development seminars and enjoys teaching others what he has learned; David has conducted several one-day workshops on the subject. He is currently employed by Union Gas. David is also a committee member for the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser. He currently resides in Cambridge and is married with 3 daughters. He has had chronic myelogenous leukemia since 2005. | Leukemia Support Group This support group is for those affected by Acute (ALL & AML) and Chronic (CLL, CML & CGL) Leukemia. The group meets once a month for informal discussion and to share concerns regarding symptoms and problems, talk about treatments and side-effects, and celebrate positive outcomes. Group meets: 3rd Wednesday morning of each month, 10:00-11:30 am (Waterloo) Facilitator: Ralph Lebold has worked as a university administrator, hospital teaching chaplain, marriage and family therapist, and pastor. He has lived with Chronic Myeloginous Leukemia for 17 years. Ralph is currently retired and lives in Waterloo with his wife. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren. | | Moving Forward - Living an Enriched Life after Cancer Life after treatment bring a new set of challenges and circumstances. Changes in self-image and relationships, conflicting emotions, on-going anxiety, family expectations and the demands of returning to daily routines can be overwhelming. This support group explores the issues and challenges of getting on with life after cancer treatment ends. There will be opportunities to develop new coping skills and gain support from others who are learning to live a full and enriched life with the "new normal". Group meets: Every Monday evening, 7:00-8:30 pm (Cambridge) |
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