NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN BAY CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE
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The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) in Penetanguishene is well-known for its many support programs for people battling cancer. The centre also provides support for those providing care to those individuals. The GBCSC recently launched a new program, Caring for Caregivers Support Group.
The biweekly support group takes place at the GBCSC on the second and fourth Monday of each month. It helps family members and caregivers of people battling cancer develop the skills and the habits needed to prioritize self-care while giving so much of themselves to someone else.
The group is led by volunteer Emily Dampier, who draws from her training in counselling psychology and her own lived experience. She notes people often forget that to help others, you first must help yourself.
“Caregivers of people with cancer are at a high risk of developing burnout. As a caregiver, you often want to give all your love, energy, and support to those people in their times of need.”
She adds caregivers may consciously and/or unconsciously lose sight of their own needs. That’s a big reason a support group can be so beneficial.
“Caregivers in our groups can have the space to share things they may not be able to share with their loved ones. They can talk about their struggles, learn about coping mechanisms, and much more.
Michael Blais has found the Caregivers Support Group has been a worthwhile experience.
“Finding out about the new Caregiver program and realizing that my ability to care for my wife might be enhanced, I decided to participate,” explains Michael. “In the group, we talk about strategies in dealing with these experiences of being a caregiver as well as the importance of self-care in our effectiveness in helping the loved one in our care.
Free programs in the local community, like the Caring for Caregivers Support Group, are only possible thanks to the many generous donors that support the GBCSC. April is Cancer Awareness Month, and the centre is hoping to raise over $10,000 to ensure important services for those impacted by cancer are available when they need them. All donations in April are being matched up to $5,000.
To join the Caring for Caregivers Support Group, contact the GBCSC via email or call [email protected] or call 705-549-6444, ext. 203.
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