Cancer Nelson and Tasman Support Services
We hold a number of support groups in the Nelson/Tasman region. For more information please contact Cyndy Smith, our Support Coordinator (03) 5391137 | 027 2580075.
Please complete the Registration form if you wish to be registered with us. Download: Self Registration Form
Cancer Support in Nelson/Tasman
Local Cancer Support Groups
Cancer Education
Support Grants
Counselling
Fitness & Lifestyle Support
Family Support
Other Support
Cyndy Smith Our Support Coordinator Explains The Support Services We Offer
Dr Kate Gregory answers your Omnicron questions
Dr Kate Gregory answers your Covid questions
We hold the following support groups. Please refer to What’s On for dates and more information.
Upcoming Group Dates
Survivors & Thrivers Nelson Support Group (Afternoon)
October 10 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pmBosom Buddies
October 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pmSurvivors & Thrivers Tapawera
October 19 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pmSurvivors and Thrivers Motueka
November 21 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pmSurvivors & Thrivers Takaka
November 29 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pmSurvivors & Thrivers Nelson (Morning)
December 12 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Nelson
Monthly
Relaxed, friendly atmosphere, come and share your stories and talk with others. Free of charge, refreshments provided.
Contact the Cancer Society Nelson Centre for dates and more information
P: (03) 539 1137
Survivors and Thrivers Groups Nelson, Motueka, Golden Bay & Tapawera
Bi Monthly
If you have or have had cancer or are supporting someone with cancer and would like to meet others in a similar situation to yourself, come along and meet like minded people. Meet new people and have fun in this friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Please Contact the Cancer Society Nelson Centre for dates and to register
P: (03) 539 1137
Lung Cancer Connect Support Group Nelson
For those who are going through or have gone through lung cancer
Please Contact the Cancer Society Nelson Centre for dates and to register
P: (03) 539 1137
Nelson & Marlborough Head and Neck Cancer Support Group Nelson
Bi Monthly 1st Thursday of month
Support group for people who have had cancer of the mouth and throat including lyrangectomy.
Please contact Emma Burns, Speech Therapist
P: (03) 546 1797
E: emma.burns@nmdhb.govt.nz
Prostate Cancer Support Group Nelson
1st Thursday of month Broadgreen House 276 Nayland Road 1.30 to 3.30pm. Next evening group meeting Wednesday 15 November at 7pm Cancer Society offices 102 Hardy St Nelson.
Nelson and Tasman has a very active Prostate Cancer Support Group and welcomes men newly diagnosed (pre treatment), or with longstanding disease (post treatment), to learn how to best survive/manage their conditions. The group draws on all the resources of the National Prostate Cancer Foundation and meets monthly with the sole purpose of guiding/helping current and new members and their support personnel. Our people also help at any time required outside of the normal meeting times.
Please contact Bill Fergie
P: (03) 544 8635 Mob: 021 0620427
E: dfergie_60@hotmail.com
Blood Cancer Support Group Nelson
Monthly, for more information
Please contact Heather Vas
Mob: 027 4444708
E: heather.vas@gmail.com
Education
We provide cancer education and resource information as well as access to webinars and other online resources. We also have regular guest speakers at our support groups on a range of cancer and well being topics. We support a range of other cancer organisations including providing our Centre for the Look Good Feel Better workshops as well as the Head and Neck cancer support group.
Support Grants
The Nelson and Tasman Cancer Society recognises that people with cancer often have to cope with additional costs as a direct result of their illness and that often this leads to financial hardship.
The Patient Support Grant system is intended to provide short-term help to people with cancer and direct family members during a period of adjustment to changed circumstances, and is tailored as much as possible to be flexible in meeting the needs of individual situations. Only in special circumstances will grants be considered after a patient has died.
Support Grant
Your doctor or oncology nurse can request this support grant by completing the form or you can self refer by contacting the Centre.
Counselling
We provide free counselling to any member of the family to help them navigate the many aspects of cancer. Your doctor or oncology nurse can request this counselling for you by completing the form or you can self refer by contacting the Centre.
Download COUNSELLING GRANT APPLICATION
Fitness and Lifestyle support
We offer relaxing, therapeutic yoga classes for people in or recovering from cancer treatment/living with cancer. These are held three times a week in Nelson and once a week in Motueka. Please phone the Centre for more details and to register (03) 539 1137. Gold coin donation please.
Rehabilitation Through Gym and Exercise Programmes
We understand that rebuilding strength and fitness after cancer treatment is important for recovery and wellbeing. We are also committed to providing accessible services across the Nelson/Tasman region.
We offer the following support for people following cancer treatment, and for those living with cancer who wish to maximise their health and wellbeing:
- Nelson/Richmond/Waimea: We fund an 8 week gym rehab programme including 8 x weekly sessions at a local gym with a qualified gym instructor, including an assessment and individualised programme.
- Motueka: We fund 3 x 1:1 sessions at Motueka Recreation Centre with a qualified gym instructor who will work with people to set up their own exercise programme. We then fund a 3 month gym membership for people to continue their programme in their own time.
- Golden Bay: We refer people for an assessment with the local physiotherapist trained in Pinc n Steel cancer rehabilitation; who then recommends a local exercise / gym programme. We fund a membership or set of classes.
For more information contact: Cyndy Smith, Support Coordinator 027 2580075 | 03 5391137
Want to find out more?
If you would like to find out more about the Rehabilitation Through Gym and Exercise Programmes or any of our cancer support services in Nelson please phone the Centre (03) 539 1137 or email us.
Family Support
The Patient Support Grant system is intended to provide short-term help to families during a period of adjustment to changed circumstances, and is assessed and tailored as much as possible to be flexible in meeting the needs of individual family situations. Only in special circumstances will grants be considered after a patient has died.
We offer a holistic approach supporting immediate families in various ways (e.g. school camps, school uniforms, school fees).
Other support services
We offer a number of free services
- Our volunteer drivers provide transport to and from treatment and medical appointments
- We provide accommodation for our locals to stay for free during their treatment at Daffodil House, Daffodil Lodge and Ranui House in Christchurch and Margaret Stewart House in Wellington
- Our Home Visitor Service provides companionship for home-based clients with cancer in the Nelson region. Home Visiting can range from a cup of tea and chat, to a drive in the country or a walk on the beach, with these connections having a positive effect for both the client and the volunteer. Find our more here
- A Camera for families to use while out of town having treatment
- Library books and cancer information, including DVD’s and videos,
- Children’s library
- Wheelchair available
- Sunshade Marquees and Umbrellas
National Office also offer
- Online support www.cancerchat.org.nz
- Cancer Connect Mentor System
- Cancer Information Nurses 0800 226 237
- Cantalk magazine and our local newsletter
Find out more about our support services
If you would like to find out more about our individual support services or join a support group please phone the Centre(03) 539 1137 or email us.