22 January 2026
By Mitch Witherington
Head of Operations
When we talk about PCFA’s 11-Point Plan, research is often the part that gets the most attention. That makes sense. Research saves lives. But it is not the whole story.
SP#10 of our plan, Strengthen peer-based support, recognises something just as important. Men and their families need connection, understanding and support from people who truly get it. That support often sits alongside clinical care, not after it.
Peer-based support at PCFA is much broader than any single program. Prostate Cancer Support Groups remain a cornerstone. These groups provide face-to-face connection, shared experience and a safe place for men and their partners to talk openly.
For many, their local PCSG is where isolation lifts and confidence returns.
But peer support does not stop there.
Many men connect through PCFA’s social media platforms and local group pages. These spaces allow people to ask questions, share experiences and stay connected between meetings or when attending in person is not possible. For some men, this is their first step into peer support.
Our Online Community also plays a growing role. It offers a moderated, accessible space where men and families can connect regardless of location, treatment stage or mobility. It ensures support is available when and where it is needed.
Programs like Mates Connect extend this further by matching men with trained peer supporters who have walked a similar path. These one-to-one connections can be especially powerful during times of uncertainty, treatment or recovery.
The PCFA Support Groups Facebook Page at provides an additional peer-based support space for Support Group members across Australia. It allows members to post questions, share experiences, raise issues and exchange ideas with others who understand the challenges of prostate cancer. For many members, it offers an easy and informal way to stay engaged, seek advice and feel part of a broader national support network.
Together, these pathways form a network of peer-based support that meets people where they are. Some men prefer a group setting. Others want a quiet conversation with someone who understands. Some engage online before they are ready to step into a room.
SP#10 is about valuing all of these options equally.
As we continue to deliver our 11-Point Plan, strengthening peer-based support means listening to our Support Groups, investing in connection, and recognising that research and peer support are not competing priorities. They are complementary.
By supporting the whole person, not just the disease, we can ensure men and their families feel informed, supported and connected at every stage of their journey.
