Our Services
Support Groups
What is a Support Group?
A support group is simply a group of people who meet on a regular basis, share common issues and support one another through their experiences. Our support groups are facilitated by someone who has been through breast cancer or by a trained facilitator, depending on the group.
How do Support Groups help?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can give rise to many new feelings and new issues in your life. Joining a support group can help you to share your feelings with people who understand what you’re going through. Being part of a support group can also give you the opportunity to help others through their experience while you are being helped.
What happens at a Support Group meeting?
Our support groups meet the needs of the individuals within that group. Each group is different and has different members that it supports. Some groups are more open and flexible and others offer more structure. At most meetings there is a general welcome, opportunity for you to share your experiences and feelings and sometimes a guest speaker. It is important to find a group that feels right for you.
When and where are the Support Group Meetings?
The groups meet on a monthly basis, giving the opportunity for people to attend more than one group, if they feel the monthly contact is not enough.
North Of The River Support Group
Third Monday of each month 12.30pm to 2.30pm in Heathridge
For those of you who live in the North metro area, this group offers monthly support through information sharing and discussing of concerns and triumphs.
South Of The River Support Group
Third Friday of each month 12.30pm to 2.30pm in Melville
If you live in the South metro area and would like to join a group, come along and meet other women in your area who have had surgery and/or treatment for breast cancer. This group meets monthly and there are guest speakers planned across the year.
“The Young and the Breastless” – Young Women’s Group – North metro
Usually on the second Monday of each month 12 noon to 2pm in Leederville
If you are a young woman, under 40 or with school aged children, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and you would like to meet other women who have also been diagnosed, this is the group for you. In a casual group setting you can get to know other women in similar circumstances and you can exchange information regarding surgery, treatment, ways of coping and some of the particular stresses of being young and having breast cancer. There is also often a guest speaker. Everyone brings a plate of food to share.
“Breast Friends” – Young Women’s Group South Metro
On the last Wednesday of each month 10 to 12 noon in Waikiki.
If you are a young woman, diagnosed with breast cancer, living south of the river, come along and meet other women in similar circumstances. This is a casual group setting in a local community centre and the group is run by a trained volunteer. Please contact BCFWA on 9324 3703 for the particulars.
Heritage (Armadale) Support Group
First Tuesday of each month 5:30pm to 7:30pm in Armadale
If you live East of Perth and would like to meet with other ladies who have also had breast cancer, come along and share information and stories. As well as regular guest speakers, the meetings are often an opportunity to be supported by and to support women with breast cancer.
Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group
Fourth Friday of each month 1pm to 3pm in Leederville.
If you are living with advanced (secondary) breast cancer you are welcome to join this group of women who meet monthly. The ladies meet to enjoy each other’s company, to be able to state how they are feeling and to ask and answer questions about advanced breast cancer.
Denmark - Pink Ferals Support Group
Last Tuesday of each month 1pm to 3pm
This group meets at a local café to support one another and exchange information and stories.
Broome –Indigenous Women Breast Cancer Support Group
Alternating Mondays and Wednesdays each month.
This group has just started up again and meets in Broome, with a facilitator. For more information, please call Raelene at Kimberley Population Health Unit on 9194 1621
Geraldton –Indigenous Women Breast Cancer Support Group
This group meets once every two months, with a facilitator. For more details please call Pauline on 9964 2972 or Annie on 9956 0225.
New Groups
If you would be interested in joining one of the above groups or a new group for women with early breast cancer in Mandurah, please call Nerida on 9324 3703 or email nerida@breastcancer.org.au