Cancer Connect Support Group coming in November!

[October 2024] Southeast Cancer Support Services is pleased to announce our first Cancer Connect Support Group during Breast Cancer Awareness month. This support group aims to assist in feelings of loneliness, isolation and judgement. The hope is to assist with giving skills to better go through a diagnosis, hear other’s stories while feeling empowered to share your own cancer story. You will be given tools to assist in your cancer journey while bringing people together who are going through similar challenges. This support group for those going through cancer treatments. This group will be facilitated by Social Worker and Psychosocial Oncologist Clinician, Lani Ens. In partnership with Southern Health/Sante Sud, this group will run Tuesday, November 5-26 from 1-2 pm at the Southeast Cancer Support Services Office, #215 – 98 Brandt Street, Steinbach.

“I am a social worker by trade, lucky enough to have found myself working with Cancer Care. I have a passion for working with others, making connections, and supporting others through their cancer journeys. It is my hope that this support group will highlight the needs in our community so that we can provide support as best as we can. With previous experience in group facilitation I have been fortunate to see the benefits that support groups can have for one another. Support groups offer a place to be heard, validated and become part of a community that is bigger than yourself and bigger than your diagnosis”, says Lani Ens, Psychosocial Oncology Clinician.

“We have seen there is a need in the community for supports for those going through cancer treatments and the impact it has on their life. Support groups for cancer patients offer numerous benefits, including emotional comfort, shared experiences, and practical advice. Being surrounded by others who understand the challenges of a cancer diagnosis can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety. Participants often share coping strategies and information about treatment options, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Additionally, support groups can enhance mental well-being by promoting open discussions about fears and hopes, ultimately helping individuals navigate their journey with greater resilience and hope”.

How to register? Contact the SCSS office at 204-326-8571 or email info@secancersupport.ca to register yourself or a loved one to participate in this group. Patients may attend the sessions when they feel well enough to do so. They are informal, so if a patient is not able to make one or more, that is acceptable.

CONTACT:

Cindi Rempel Patrick, Executive Director
crpatrick@secancersupport.ca 204-326-8571

Lani Ens, Psychosocial Onclology Clinician
lens@southernhealth.ca 204-326-6411 x 2043

Thanks to Southern Health-Sante Sud for their support.