Peer support is an important source of supportive care to women and families affected by breast cancer. Support groups offer a unique form of social support based upon the commonality of shared experience. Supporting these groups is a key part of BCNA’s work.
Support groups registered with BCNA are known as ‘Member Groups’ and form the connection between our national network and communities across Australia. These include groups who only support women diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as groups who support individuals diagnosed with any form of cancer. Some have a specific focus, for example, young women, while others involve family members and friends in their activities.
We always welcome new groups to BCNA.
How we can help you
Our goal is to support you with information, help you connect with others in our network, and provide tangible benefits to your group. When you register, we will:
- post you a BCNA Member Group Kit, containing useful Member Group tips and information, a copy of all our resources, and complimentary merchandise
- promote your group on our website, in our publications and at our events
- set up a free web page within our site for your group’s use
- provide insurance for your group meetings and BCNA events that you run
- provide you with discount BCNA merchandise to raise funds for your group
- send you regular information including The Beacon and the Inside Story magazines, as well as The Networker, a free quarterly newsletter for our Member Groups
- cover costs for one group member to attend our biennial National Summit
- inform you of relevant events and opportunities in your area
- link you to similar groups for mentoring and support
- provide online networking and information opportunities.
How you help us reach and support people affected by breast cancer
Our Member Groups play a vital role in spreading the word about BCNA’s resources and services to local communities, as well as participating in our programs and events. When you register, we ask that you:
- keep your web page details up to date so people can find your group on our website
- promote our many free resources and services for women with breast cancer and their families -- such as My Journey Kit for newly diagnosed women with early breast cancer and Hope & Hurdles Pack for women with secondary breast cancer -- within your community
- consider getting involved in our events such as free information forums, Mini-Fields of Women and the Pink Bun campaign
- provide feedback to BCNA about issues or concerns for people affected by breast cancer
- add information about helpful breast cancer services in your area to our online Local Services Directory.
Eligibility
To be eligible for registration, your group will:
- offer a form of social support to women or families affected by breast cancer. This can come in many forms, from informal gatherings to information and educational opportunities involving health professionals, practical support and physical group activities.
- be professionally or peer-led (someone with an experience of cancer)
- identify one group member to be a primary contact. This person will be responsible for receiving BCNA correspondence, notifying us of significant group changes and updating BCNA about your group’s situation
- provide ongoing opportunities to ensure all group members are aware of BCNA’s free resources and services.
To register
The registration process is quick, easy and free. Simply submit a completed registration form (downloadable below) and we will be in touch within a couple of weeks. In instances where a group is not eligible for registration, we will discuss other ways to be involved with BCNA.
If you have any questions about registering your group, please contact 1800 500 258.
Downloads
- Member Group registration form (DOC, 100 KB)
