Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre’s Cancer Support Group provides vital connection to locals
LINKING OUR COMMUNITY TO SERVICES
This article was published in the Neighbourhood Centres QLD website on April 2023 (link below)
Maryborough’s Cancer Support Program is a group that provides a safe and welcoming environment for people to connect with others who are living with, have survived or are supporting someone with a cancer diagnosis. From singing and dancing, to resources and presentations, the innovative program provides vital connection and support in an area where no other similar groups existed.
The group started at the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, which has been a supporter of the Cancer Council through hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraisers since 2014. Gay Cayabyab, Maryborough’s Centre Manager highlighted, the success of the fundraisers, with the participants growing year on year.
“The fundraisers started with 30 people having morning tea in the courtyard supporting the event, then 40 the next, until we decided we need to move the event to the hall to accommodate at least 100 people.” In the following years, people started inquiring at the Centre about local cancer support groups. With minimal options available in the area, Gay took it upon herself to find willing volunteers to help her start a group at the Centre.
“In 2018, we started receiving queries about support groups for Cancer patients and those affected by the disease. There was nowhere we could refer them to in Maryborough, except for specialized support groups such as the one for prostate and breast cancer patients. In 2019, at our Biggest Morning Tea fund raising event, I decided to put the word out there, and asked those in attendance if anyone would be interested to volunteer and support the forming of a Cancer Support Group, very quickly 4 ladies raised their hands and expressed their interest to volunteer.” Gay moved swiftly to establish the group, locating resources, developing a plan and registering the group with Cancer Council Queensland. “With four committed volunteers, I immediately signed them up and started work on devising guidelines and procedures for implementation. I took the opportunity of accessing the resources available through the Cancer Council Qld (CCQ) website and took it a bit further by registering the support group with CCQ and getting the designated volunteer coordinator to attend a workshop so that our group can get recognized.”
The Cancer Support Group had their first meeting in 2019, and over time Gay and her team of volunteers have responded with flexibility, adapting the group structure to the needs of its members. “The first meeting was in 2019, we had about 10 participants, for the next three months we run the program as any support group would, introduction by each participant and the opportunity to talk about their situation. There were some strict rules that were laid out to ensure a smooth confidentiality and privacy. After three months of doing this, we started to lose some of the participants, this is when I realised that as much as this is a support group for those affected by Cancer, Cancer does not have to be in it.”
The group has since developed to include a number of creative, fun and engaging initiatives that help to create a positive atmosphere and build social engagement and connection between members.
“We changed the format, participants only introduced themselves if there were new members, we made the sessions so interesting and diverse that participants begun to look forward to attending the session each month. We combine the sessions with presentations from guest speakers and other activities such as singing, dancing, arts and crafts, flower arranging and even cake decorating.”
The team has made every effort to ensure they keep in touch with members and that support is continued through challenging circumstances.
“During the pandemic, when the Centre had to close its doors, we started the Social Phone Call Initiative where one of the volunteers would ring each participant fortnightly for a chat and just to reach out. This program continues up to this day to engage those who are not quite ready to attend the sessions.”
Their efforts have paid off, and today the program still continues to provide ongoing support to nearly 30 members. “We have lost some participants to Cancer through the years, and some were unable to attend due to other challenges, but to date we continue to have close to 30 participants who attend the program. On the average we get about 15 to 22, but we continue to keep in contact with everyone through a social phone call initiative.”
This is an incredible initiative, that was driven by a response to community need and provides vital support, safety and connection to people going through an unimaginably challenging period in their life.
Article written by Taylor Bast from Neighbourhood Centres Queensland, https://ncq.org.au/maryborough-neighbourhood-centrescancer-support-group-provides-vital-connection-to-locals/
MAY - JUNE 2023
the Centre Manager
Exciting things has happened since our last issue of the MY NEIGHBOURHOOD LINK, firstly after such long planning and preparation we finally had our very first youth event in the park last Saturday 15 April 2023. The Youth Network Program (YNP) ’Out and About’ Event was a big success! As a pilot project, we were all a bit nervous of what the outcome will be, but the team including young members of YNP did an amazing job of organising and implementing the program ensuring it is inclusive, exciting and fun with a myriad of activities to get involved in not just for the youth but everyone! Service providers, community partners and sponsors of the event all had a share in the excitement and fun! It was such a good day that some of our sponsors and community partners had pledged early to support the 2024 Out and About Event.
This month, we have finalised arrangements to start a new program under the Flexible Funding Grant (FFG) Round 1 with a new worker now on board. Amanda just started and will take the role of Recovery Worker under this program. At the moment she is still getting familiar with the new role and settling in but will be actively promoting the service soon and implement events and activities. It is kind of good timing that we have this role starting as this will support the continuation of the Australian Red Cross Co-Location role as we have for now officially ended the Co-location agreement to make way for Red Cross’ allocation and planning of current community programs.
Another new initiative I am excited to share is the ‘Blooming Kindness’ Project, planning started last year but we waited until everything is in place, and now volunteer coordinators Barb and Marg are all set to spread happy blooms, so we finally had a soft start in collaboration with the Parks and Open Space Department of council who agreed to donate roses from the Maryborough Rose Garden for this project. We started to receive flowers in early April and since then have managed to deliver floral arrangements to deserving members of the community, community organisations and agencies. More information about this exciting project is in this issue! PLEASE NOTE that the Maryborough Interagency Meeting will be held on the 20th of June instead of the 13th.
Until next time!
Cheers, Gay
Community Connect Corner
On the 31/5 from 9.30am-12.30pm Dan Vohland, Disaster Recovery Clinician Qld Mental Health, will deliver a “Seasons For Growth” workshop at the Centre. This workshop is for anyone who is living with the effects of change and loss. It aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of adults dealing with life changes and deepen their understanding of change, loss and grief through the metaphor of seasons. It is a workshop well worth attending, I mean, who doesn’t have to adapt to life’s changes and losses!
Just a reminder, as a Community Connect Worker I can help alleviate any stress, frustration and anxiety in finding the right support for your need through providing support, information, and connections and referrals to services. I’m here 5 days a week and you can drop in or call me at the Neighbourhood Centre, 4121 2141, email me on lobrien@maryboroughnc.org or call me on the Community connect Mobile, 0427 781 081.
Take care and I look forward to connecting with you all in different ways soon.
Leah O’Brien
We are your Local Drug Action Team
(LDAT)!
LDAT is one of the core programs of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation that supports community organisations to form partnerships within the community to deliver prevention based activities in order to reduce alcohol and other drug related issues occurring in the region.
The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre supports any form of initiatives to prevent and minimise alcohol and other drug related issues in the community and has therefore officially accepted to be the designated LDAT for Maryborough. Permitted ADF community activities will be implemented by the centre to support the objectives of LDAT. For more information about LDAT- Maryborough please email programs@maryboroughnc.org.
April Cancer Support Group
We had the pleasure of having Karina and Lucy from the Energy and Water Ombudsman Qld to promote their services.
If you or anyone you know would benefit from joining our Cancer Support Program, give us a call to find out more. Our CSP Team (pictured left) will be more than happy to welcome you! Please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email programs@maryboroughnc.org for more details.
13 February 2023
13 March 2023
*18 April 2023
(In place of the 10 April meeting)
8 May 2023
12 June 2023
10 July 2023
14 August 2023
11 September 2023
9 October 2023
13 November 2023
December 2023 TBA
The Cancer Support Program is a support group providing a welcoming & supportive environment for people who have survived or going through any type of cancer and their families. Our program also offers our fortnightly social phone call initiative. If you would like to be part of the group or to register for our social phone call initiative or if you just want more information, please contact 07 4121 2141 or email programs@maryboroughnc.org.
Maryborough Neighbourhood
Centre Sewing Products for Sale! SEWING PROGRAM
‘
Social Enterprise Initiatives’
When the centre started the Sewing Program, its initial objective was just to deliver classes for Beginners at no cost. Since it started more than a year ago, it has evolved to having a more meaningful objective through the creation of The Sewing Circle. Ladies of the sewing circle are participants of the sewing classes who have been recruited to participate in the centre’s social enterprise project. Under the supervision of a very capable volunteer coordinator, the group produce sewing projects that the centre sells to support the sewing program and other community projects of the centre. Throughout the duration of the program, the ladies managed to create a variety of items to support its zero waste and ‘going green’ objectives, including their useful items that are reusable. Continuity of the project depends largely on recruited volunteers from the sewing class and from more experienced volunteers. All projects created through this program are available to view at the centre’s website www.maryboroughneighbourhoodcentre.org.If interested to purchase or order any of the items please contact centre reception on 4121 2141.
The Maryborough Interagency Network Meeting is a bi-monthly meeting attended by community service workers in Maryborough and surrounds to discuss current activities and programs and potential ways of working together as a community. Meetings are informal but with structure and long enough for attendees to develop opportunities to meet our specific program goals.
Meeting dates for 2023
* 14 February * 11 April
* 20 June * 8 August * 10 October
Meetings are held at the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre or via Microsoft TEAMS from 9.15am - 10.30am and booking is essential if you wish to attend. To book your attendance please call 4121 2141 or email admin@maryboroughnc.org
COVID-19 Rat Test Kit
FREE for concession and health care card holders. 5 x boxes per card holder at any given time.
VERY LIMITED SUPPLY. Available while stocks last.
Visit us @ 25 Ellena Street to get your free RAT test kit.
The delivery of Multicultural programs is one of the many strengths of the service. Through the years, the centre has achieved significantly in the implementation of programs that benefitted members of the migrant community. Through it’s own initiatives and in partnership with relevant services and programs that support diversity, awareness and understanding of cultures; activities in the form of cultural events, multicultural workshops, information sessions and community education were implemented and is continuously being planned and implemented.
The Asian Women’s Group formerly known as the Asian Women’s Development Program is now part of MDP as a sub-program. MDP continues to accept membership into the program and encourage all migrants to be a member for an opportunity to be part of future activities and projects and provide support to the migrant community.
Assistance in Completing & Understanding Forms - Support Service
The centre is offering assistance in completing and understanding forms on a Friday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!!! We have a volunteer who is willing to have a look and help complete and understand your forms.
PLEASE be aware that some forms and documents might be too difficult for our volunteer and therefore cannot assist you, but every attempt will be made by our volunteer to refer you on to another organisation or individual who might be able to assist further.
To make an appointment, contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or admin@maryboroughnc.org
NOTE: Please be advised that if your need for support in completing forms is urgent, the centre WILL NOT be able to assist you as this FREE service relies on the availability of volunteers. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.
English Mentoring - provides the opportunity to newly arrived and settled migrants to learn basic conversational English from a volunteer tutor. The program also offers mentoring for advanced grammar and writing practice. Pre-assessment is conducted to assess the appropriateness of the program to the need of the participant. The delivery of this community program depends highly on the availability of a volunteer tutor.
Literacy mentoring - is provided on a case to case basis. Flexible entry and exit and depends largely on the availability of volunteers. The centre will make the effort to match a client with a volunteer tutor to provide one on one support. Pre-assessment is conducted to assess client need vis-à-vis the resources available and ability of the volunteer tutor to provide the required support. For more information, please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email programs@maryboroughnc.org.
Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service
Free Legal Advice, Referral and education
The Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service provides Free legal advice and referral, aimed at addressing disadvantage throughout the Wide Bay Burnett Region.
Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service aim to prioritise people experiencing hardship or vulnerable to disadvantage.
Appointments are required!
Phone: 07 4194 2663
Website: www.wbbcls.com.au
Email: wbbcls@hbnc.com.au
22 Charles Street, Pialba QLD
UnitingCare’s Gambling Help Service provides counselling, support and information to individuals who are negatively affected by gambling. We offer free and confidential services for Maryborough and Hervey Bay. For more information, please contact UnitingCare on:
Maryborough: 07 4122 9000 - 276 Alice Street, Maryborough.
Hervey Bay : 07 4191 3100 - 94 Old Maryborough Rd. Hervey Bay.
The Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland helps resolve disputes between Queensland customers and their energy and water companies. We also provide advice and information to customers, and we can offer you other support services.
Some disputes we can assist with are:
Unexpected high bills or billing mistakes
Difficulty with paying your bill
Debt collection and credit default listing
Disconnection and restriction of services
P: 1800 662 837 | E: complaints@ewoq.com.au |
W: www.ewoq.com.au
Do you feel your rights are being respected? Are family members supportive, or do they create stress in your life? Are any of the following scenarios happening to you?
Beingtoldthatyoucan’tmakeanydecisionsforyourselfbecauseyouhavehada diagnosisofdementia.
Beingpressuredintoenteringanursinghomewhenyou’renotready.
Beingfrightenedtovoiceyourneeds/concerns.
Carersorfamilymembersborrowingmoney andnotpayingyouback.
Adultchildrenmovinginwithyouandrefusingtopayrent.
TheSeniorsLegalandSupportServiceoffersaFREEservicefor Peopleover60whoserightsarebeingcompromised.
16 Torquay Rd, Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Phone: (07) 4121 6863
The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre proudly supports the not for profit organisation Share the Dignity in providing disadvantaged women and girls in our community access to FREE sanitary items.
So next time you need or someone you know needs sanitary items, just before you get to the ladies lavatory, there is a small green box where you can help yourself with items that you need. You don’t even have to let us know.
We also have hygiene bags available for women and teens. Just come see us at reception and let us know what you need and we are more that happy to provide this for you.
So if you know anyone who might benefit from these free hygiene bags, please send them over at the centre, 25 Ellena Street, Maryborough.
ACCESS TO SANITARY ITEMS IS A WOMAN’S RIGHT!!! Thank you for your support!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
(Receptionist, Kitchen hand, gardener, maintenance, etc.)
If you have skills and would like to share them with your community, come in and see us at the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Ellena Street or phone us on 4121 2141 or send us an email admin@maryboroughnc.org.
The Neighbourhood Café is one of the fundraising arm of the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre.
So if you want a relaxing atmosphere, why not come and support your local community centre.
CAFÉ hours is 10:30am—1:30pm (depending on volunteers)
MNC Newsletter
The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre publishes our newsletter bimonthly. A hard copy is available at the centre and a digital copy is sent to our members and networks.
If you would like to have your program/service published in our next newsletter email: admin@maryboroughnc.org
Deadline to receive articles is 4pm Friday, 16 June 2023 .
*Please be aware that this is on a “first come first serve” basis and is dependant on the availability of article space.*
To make an appointment, please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email admin@maryboroughnc.org
If your need for a JP is urgent, a JP is available at MADCOTA Community Hub, 333 Alice Street every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10am-2pm or visit https://www.qld.gov.au/law/legalmediation-and-justice-of-the-peace/about-justice-of-the-peace/ search-for-your-nearest-jp-or-cdec to find a JP.
A Justice of the Peace (Qual) is available at the Maryborough
