What’s On at BreaCan Nov - Dec

[Janette]

2011 What’s On at BreaCan
BreaCan is a free, confidential information and support service for people affected by breast cancer or a gynaecological cancer. The service is open 10.00am–2.00pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Ground Floor, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Call in or phone one of our trained volunteers on 1300 781 500.

Please note that the BreaCan Resource Centre will closed for the Christmas/New Year period at 2pm on 21 December 2011. BreaCan will provide telephone support from 3 January, and the Resource Centre will re-open on Monday 16 January 2012.

November
The Generosity of Giving
Thursday 10 November 11am–12.30pm
During Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, BreaCan supported Women Helping Other Women (WHOW) and their fundraising effort, in partnership with the Bali International Women’s Association, to raise money for a portable mammogram machine and to continue the delivery of treatment, and education services. Join Sara Van Hecke from WHOW to learn more about this unique project and to provide us with the opportunity to pass on the generous contributions that BreaCan service users have made. Morning tea will be provided. Bookings essential.

Shrinking the Worries
Monday 14 November 12–1.30pm
We all worry about things occasionally. But sometimes, especially after a major event in our lives, such as a cancer diagnosis, we can find ourselves worrying more, about all manner of things. This can affect our sleep, our stress levels and our general well being. This session will look at a variety of ways to help you worry less, so you can feel calmer about the day to day events in your life. Lynda Evans has over 20 years experience as a social worker, and helping people ‘shrink their worries’ has been a constant theme in her work. Limited numbers so please book early.

Japanese Hana Flowers
Monday 28 November 11am – 12.30pm
Hana is the Japanese word for ‘flower’, and as we pass through the last few weeks of Spring, it is a perfect opportunity to learn how to create these beautiful floral embellishments. Lea O’Sullivan from Kimono House, a Japanese textiles and craft business, will take us through the steps to create a beautiful petaled flower from fabric, which can be used in a variety of different ways. Limited numbers so please book early. Priority will be given to those who have not previously attended a Sashiko or Fabric Origami session in the past.

December
BreaCan End of Year Celebration
Thursday 8 December 10.30am–12.30pm
BreaCan invites you to help us celebrate the festive season with friends, fun and some yummy food! We can look back on the wonderful achievements of 2011 and enjoy catching up with old friends and meeting new people from BreaCan.
This is always a popular event so to help us cater for all please RSVP by Friday 2 December.

African Drumming
Monday 12 December 12–1.30pm
Jeremy Prentice is a drumming teacher from African Drumming in St Kilda. Join Jeremy as he shares with us what lies at the heart of African drumming: its’ spirit, traditions and wonderful energy. This will be a fun and very interactive session giving participants a chance to experience the stress relief and meditative benefits that African drumming can offer. That’s not to mention the wonderful rhythmic beats that we will learn along the way! (Drums provided – no previous experience necessary).
Limited numbers so please book in early.

Special Events
Health, Happiness & the Quest For a Perfect Bra!
Friday 4 November
From 10am at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg
The Austin Breast Unit is inviting women who have been treated for breast cancer or are living with breast cancer to attend a free event with the focus of living well after breast cancer.
Listen to guest speakers discuss health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis, and participate in a women-only BreaCan session on finding a well-fitting bra, covering traditional bras, bras for breast forms and bathers.
TO BOOK: Email elizabeth.foster@austin.org.au or phone 9496 3715 for details.

Free Vietnamese Information Day:
A day for Vietnamese speaking women living with a gynaecological cancer or breast cancer
Saturday 26 November 10am-2pm
Organised by BreaCan and Western Health, to be held at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre in Altona. All of the sessions run on the day will be interpreted by an experienced NAATI accredited interpreter.
The aims of the information day are to engage with Vietnamese speaking women and provide information on living well after a cancer diagnosis. The program of events includes Tai Chi and a creative workshop that will allow women plenty of time to meet and talk with other women who are living with similar experiences.
Please contact the BreaCan Resource Centre for details.

Regular Activities
Introductory Hand & Foot Reflexology
Reflexology is a system of health care, incorporating mind, body and spirit. It offers tangible benefits to those living with a diagnosis of cancer and complements existing treatments. Jennifer Rigby is a reflexologist and registered nurse offering an opportunity to alleviate some of your stress and tension. Please call to book an appointment.
November 9, 16 & 30, December 7

Feel Good Gentle Exercise Program
This program offers gentle exercise to tone the body and help the lymphatic system. Conducted by a qualified instructor, the sessions are held fortnightly on a Wednesday from 10.30 - 11.30am. Women participating need to complete enrolment forms prior to attending.
November 9 & 23, December 7


Making Connections - For Women Living With Advanced Breast and Gynaecological Cancers

Art Therapy Workshop
Wednesday 23 November, 11am-2pm
A part of the healing nature of making art is about acknowledging and expressing the creative part of ourselves. The art we make can help us learn more about ourselves. It can also be an opportunity to relax and lose ourselves in the creative process. Most importantly, making art is a way to be playful and have fun. Join Emma Rose, an experienced facilitator and art therapist, and a small group of women for a relaxing and interactive experience. No previous experience or skill is required and Emmawelcomes women who have the creative urge but lack confidence in making art.
Materials are supplied and lunch is provided.
Please note that this session is part of the Making Connections program and is only open to women living with advanced cancer.
Some Information Sessions are recorded and available to borrow on CD, or download as a podcast from our website. For more information visit www.breacan.org.au.

BreaCan is a service of Women’s Health Victoria and is funded by the Victorian Department of Health