Please follow the link above for Support Group Meeting Schedules and Venues.
On this page:
The 'Breast Friends' Support Groups
Why join a Support Group?
The BCS Support Groups - general information
If you feel you'd like the support of other women who have 'been there too' but are not quite sure about taking that first step, please call us and let's talk it through - toll free 0800 273 222.
The Breast Friends Support Groups
Our Breast Friends support groups meet monthly within the gr
eater Auckland area and are coordinated by women who have experienced breast cancer.
The meetings provide an opportunity for women with a present or past breast cancer diagnosis to meet in an informal environment for mutual support and encouragement.
Over a cup of tea, women exchange stories, information and lots of laughter! The groups have interesting monthly schedules: some months will feature a guest speaker presenting on a subject relevant to general health; other meetings may feature general discussions about breast cancer treatments and care and some months are more social with activities or outings for lunch.
To join a group or to find out more, please phone us on 0800 273 222, contact the Coordinator for the group in your area or email us for more information. Attendance at our groups is free.
Why join a Support Group?
Breast Cancer Support Groups can offer fellowship, sharing, information and advice to women experiencing breast cancer.
Some women prefer a more individual approach, perhaps speaking with another woman over the phone or meeting up for coffee (we offer this option too). Many women decide not to access any community support. It's an individual choice: we are all different and our outlooks and experiences will be diverse, our needs will vary.
West Auckland Support Group Member Lynn had this to say about her involvement with the Group:
"I would like to say a few words about the Breast Cancer Support Group in West Auckland. Six years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and at the time thought my world had ended. After surgery and radiation my daughter felt that I needed to talk with like minded people and found out about the meetings and arranged for me to attend one night.
"I was welcomed by Christine and Marie and cannot say enough about how inspirational they where. The work the group does to encourage breast cancer survivors is phenomenal and I can honestly say that if I had not had the meetings to go to in those early months I don’t know what I would have done. As a result of going I was introduced to the Pink Dragon’s Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team and have not looked back. I still get the calls every month to tell me when the support meetings are on, and get very disappointed when I can’t make them, this is mostly through the summer months as Dragon Boat training takes up the time.
So keep up the great work, all you wonderful people!"
We asked some of our Support Group Members why they chose to join the groups and here's what they had to say:
"I like to repay the support I was given when going through treatment."
"To learn more about what is available for us, for example the prosthesis subsidy."
"To make friends with other women with breast cancer and share experiences and fellowship."
"To access information about breast cancer and keep up to date with what is happening in the breast cancer area."
"To be around other people who understand the side effects like 'chemo brain'!"
"I don’t have to explain myself."
"Belonging to a group reinforces the knowledge that we don’t have to be isolated – sharing is very beneficial."
The BCS Support Groups - general information
Purpose
The Breast Friends Support Groups provide an opportunity for women with a past or present breast cancer diagnosis to meet in a social and relaxed setting for mutual support and fellowship. The emphasis is on helping women cope with the present and look positively towards the future. Coordinators can offer information about other health support services and community support groups.
Attendance
Anyone with a past or present diagnosis of breast cancer is welcome to attend. This could include recently diagnosed women as well as those with secondary disease. Attendance at the groups is free.
Facilitation
An annually appointed coordinator facilitates the meetings. Should anyone need professional help with the emotional, psychological or physical impact of their breast cancer, the coordinator can provide her with appropriate information on support services that are freely available or recommend that they contact their professional health provider.
Expectation
All Breast Friends group meetings offer an informal environment for meeting and speaking with other women who have experienced breast cancer. Meetings often include a guest speaker (who may or may
not have breast cancer as a focus ) or the group may choose a more social format (shared hobbies etc).
Rights of Participants
When participating in a Breast Friends Group meeting women will receive:
The right to confidentiality both in and out of the group.
The right to be treated as an individual.
The right to be respected.
The right to be heard.
The right to agree or disagree.
Disclaimer
Breast Cancer Support Incorporated takes no responsibility for any health related information or advice given by guest speakers or group members and recommends that any such information be obtained from your medical team.
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