Anne Chirnside traces Ruth O'Connor’s right hand as part of the creative activity at Counterpart’s women with cancer wellbeing day. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Women with cancer support charity Counterpart called in to Echuca library for a wellbeing-centred day on Thursday, May 15.
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The day, which was open to women across Campaspe Shire, included movement, information and creation.
Counterpart is a branch of Women’s Health Victoria, and co-ordinates events across the state to provide peer support and information to women with cancer.
Irene Thompson, Jeanette Maloney and Lyn Hegarty.
They facilitate women with cancer wellbeing days all around the regions.
“Our wellbeing days, they're a great opportunity for women to meet, to try out different things and learn about different aspects of wellbeing,” events co-ordinator Grace McArthur said.
“We usually start with partnering with the local health service, so in this case it’s Echuca Regional Health.
“Our local partner is our local expert, who gives lots of guidance about what is appropriate and other little things.”
Counsellor Vicki Woodhouse guided participants through the creative element of the day.
A range of services participate in the events, including the ERH cancer and wellness team, Mending Casts, NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia and the Thursday Girls at the Echuca edition.
There was also a chair yoga session, information from occupational therapists and a dietician, as well as a creative reflection activity.
“We always invite different partners to come along,” Ms McArthur said.
“We usually aim to have three activities, one activity related to movement, such as yoga, qigong, that kind of thing.
“Then an activity that’s informative... and then we’ll have a creative activity, where we’ll often have an art therapist run a session as well.”
Attendees are able to connect and be led-through three activities on the Counterpart women with cancer wellbeing days.
Providing events across regional Victoria through her role with Counterpart, Ms McArthur said that the reception from attendees was generally positive.
These events also allow them to engage with Counterpart’s peer support service.
“We usually get a pretty positive response that people really enjoy the activities, and they enjoy the opportunity to connect with other women who’ve experienced something similar to them,” she said.
“We often see people getting to know somebody new, or we also get new referrals for our peer support service.”
Counterpart volunteer Helen Blennerhassett guides attendees Irene Thompson, Jeanette Maloney and Lyn Hegarty.
Women who have experienced cancer are trained through the program, and provide a listening ear and support to other women over-the-phone.
Counterpart and its 10 regional events are funded by the Victorian Government.
The service can be accessed online via counterpart.org.au or over the phone at 1300 781 500.
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