Bentleigh Prostate Cancer Partners Support Group, Bentleigh East, Victoria
Glen Eira-Bayside Southern Metropolitan Region, Victoria
 
 


 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
Contact Details:

Jackie Gleeson(facilitator-Health Promotion Coordinator)
phone: 03 9575 5303
email: Email: j.gleeson@bbchs.org.au

Intake :Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service-
Phone:03 9575 5322
Email: info@bbchs.org.au

Helen Scholes (Chair -consumer)-
phone:03 9579 2367
 
Formation:

A need was identified for a support network for the partners ,carers of men with prostate cancer from several arenas.

Need: The need for this network was highlighted from a “Cancer Connect” telephone referral to Bob Chair, of the Kingston Bayside Prostate Cancer Support Group early in 2007.At the same time as a wife of a member of a Prostate Cancer Support Group asked if there was a Partners/Carers Support Group discussions were occurring between Tina-Cancer Council of Victoria, Jackie –Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service and Gaytana-FM radio regarding the need for such a group.

Outcome: A Forum-was organised by Tina, Jackie, Gaytana, and Bob in October 2007. Some 27 people attended, and left their contact details. All attendees were enthusiastic about being involved with the Network/Support Group. The inaugural meeting was in December 2007 at Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service in Bentleigh east.

The group is affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia ,and is a member of Carers Victoria.
 
Activities:

The Prostate Cancer Partners Support Group is made up of and managed by people who share, as a partner/ carer/friend, a common interest in Prostate Cancer. In recognition of the vital role played by Self Help Groups within health care Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service provides ongoing support, advise ,education and a venue for the Prostate Cancer Partners Support Group. As well the Service assists the group in applying for non recurrent funding including, from the’ Health Self Help ‘Funding Program.

Aims

  • To encourage a network of peer support and information exchange for partners/carers/friends, of men with Prostate Cancer .

  • To increase opportunities for partners/carers/friends of men with Prostate Cancer to gain information and education on the conditions and issues that they experience.

  • To increase the ability of men with Prostate Cancer to live independently and fully in their own community with the support of their partner/carer/friends.

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    Meeting Dates:

    The group meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month excluding January ,at Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service, Gardeners Road , Bentleigh East, Vic,3165 , Melway 77K1.Parking is free and as per parking signs, for off street or street park ,as available.

    Caring ,confidential and friendly meetings are from 7.30pm -8.30pm February to May and 1.30pm –3.00pm May to December. There is no catchment boundary for group attendance. Sessions provide information and education about prostate cancer ,mutual, emotional, social support and strategies that address caring for the carer and understanding for partners of men with prostate cancer. Guest speakers assist with specific topics.

    The program is publicized to members and the wider community by a flier that is circulated via electronic Health Promotion Networks and FM radio along with local, Municipal and Divisions of General Practice Newspaper articles and the What’s On section using the case study approach.

    The belief is that –Together we do better (VicHealth) and we can make a difference.

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