Download How Cancer Council NSW is investing in the Community Clarence

How Cancer Council NSW is investing in the Community
Clarence Valley 2016-2017
As an evidence-based organisation, we recognise that research improves our collective knowledge about cancer and
helps us identify the areas where we can have the most impact. Research underpins our prevention, information and
support, and advocacy programs.
We recognise that each community is unique in the challenges and needs it faces in relation to cancer. As such,
Cancer Council NSW programs and services are implemented on a community needs basis. Community needs are
determined through an annual community consultation survey, highlighting key focus areas in prevention, information
and support, and advocacy at the local level.
Prevention Cancer Council NSW works to reduce cancer in the NSW community by encouraging people to lead
healthy, cancer smart lifestyles.
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Improve Your Long Game - Improve Your Long Game is a campaign encouraging NSW golfers to use sun
protection and reduce their risk of skin cancer. This innovative program will run at Yamba Golf and Country
Club again in the 2016-17 summer period.
Eat It to Beat It – Eat It To Beat It is a program run in local primary schools aimed at providing parents with
practical, simple and budget friendly ways for the whole family to eat more fruits and vegetables every day, to
reduce their cancer risk.
Sun Sound - Grafton Aquatic Centre - The Sun Sound is a short, catchy jingle designed to be played at
regular intervals on load speakers in outdoor areas as a friendly reminder for young people to protect their
skin from the sun.
Sun Smart - A free Sun Smart program supports primary schools to develop and implement a sun protection
policy that minimizes student and staff over exposure to UV radiation, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
o 98% Schools are now SunSmart across Far North Coast/ Northern Rivers
Information and Support Cancer Council NSW works to empower and support people affected by cancer, so that no
one need face cancer alone.
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The Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health (ENRICH) program rolled out in Grafton
2015 and in Yamba 2016. The six week program is free for cancer patients and carers and is co facilitated by
an accredited Exercise Physiologist and Dietician.
Cancer Council Information Service (CCIS) – Trained Cancer Council Information Service volunteers
connect cancer patients, their carers and their families with information and support services. The St Vincent’s
Hospital Cancer Council Information Centre provided information and support to over 400 cancer patients and
their families in the last 12 months.
o The St Vincent’s CCIC is available to Clarence Valley residents when undergoing treatment in
Lismore.
o The Coffs Harbour North Coast Cancer Institute CCIS is available to patients when undergoing
treatment in Coffs Harbour.
Cancer Council NSW Accommodation Services
Cancer Council NSW’s Accommodation Services coordinate affordable accommodation for cancer patients, their
families and carers, traveling from regional and remote areas to cities and regional hubs for cancer treatment.
AccorHotels Partnership: Cancer Council NSW has partnered with AccorHotels to provide discounted room rates
in Sydney, Newcastle and other regional centers for cancer patients, their families and carers who have to travel away
from home for treatment. Reduced rate rooms of 30% are available for all cancer patients and their families. This
service can be used in conjunction with the government’s Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance
Scheme (IPTAAS) which provides eligible cancer patients with reimbursement for accommodation.
Patient Accommodation facilities servicing Clarence Valley
Our House Accommodation Facility – Cancer Council NSW contributed $500, 000 to the establishment of ‘Our
House’ in Lismore. It is a purpose built accommodation facility for patients, carers and their families who are receiving
treatment at the new Cancer Unit at Lismore. The service is well utilised by Clarence Valley residents, who comprise
around 47% of guests accessing the service each year.
Shearwater Lodge, Coffs Harbour – Available to patients requiring treatment at Coffs Harbour North Coast Cancer
Institute.
Transport to Treatment and in Home Support– Through working with a partner organisation, Cancer Council
NSW’s transport to treatment service enables eligible patients to access transport to their medical appointments and
treatment. Cancer Council NSW’s in home support programs help people who have been diagnosed with cancer and
their families deal with everyday household tasks such as light house work, dog walking, shopping, carer respite, or
simply providing some friendly company.
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In Home Support service provided by CRANES Palliative Volunteer Service
Transport to Treatment provided by Clarence Valley Community Transport – Service available from
within the Clarence Valley to Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Tweed Heads and Brisbane.
 Transport to treatment is also available in the Mid North Coast for patients requiring treatment in Coffs
Harbour – contact 13 11 20 for more information
Cancer Support Groups – Cancer Council provides ongoing support and Support Group Leader training to
Yamba Breast & Other Cancer Support Group, Clarence Valley Prostate Support Group, Grafton Cancer
Support Group and Grafton Breast Cancer Support Group
Cancer Council Marquees and Sunscreen – Can be loaned free of charge for suitable community events
Ongoing services available to Clarence Valley residents:
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Free webinars addressing topics such as financial management, work life balance and personal relationships
for 18-45 year- olds affected by cancer.
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 – Speak to one of Cancer Council NSW’s experienced oncology health
professionals who can provide evidence based information or access to a range of emotional or practical
support.
Understanding Cancer series of booklets – Understanding Cancer is a series of more than 50 resources
for people with cancer their families and friends. The series include easy to read information and specific
types of cancer, treatments and emotional and practical supports.
Our website cancercouncil.com.au and peer support website cancerconnections.com.au
Free face-to-face, telephone support groups and mentoring
Pro bono legal and financial planning services – Pro bono Programs comprise four different services,
offering legal assistance, financial planning service, a workplace advisory service and a small business
advisory service.
Practical Assistance - including the No Interest Loans Scheme
Advocacy Cancer Council NSW works to ensure that governments take action to reduce cancer risk and improve
access to care and treatments. There are over 14, 000 registered advocates across NSW.
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Saving Life 2015 Campaign – In 2014, we launched our Saving Life 2015 campaign in the lead up to the
March 2015 election. Five opportunities were identified for the next State Government to take action and to
ensure that people with cancer and their families get quality cancer care, no matter where they live. The
campaign resulted in the abolishment of chemotherapy co-payments and a review of the aboriginal workforce
in cancer care.
Harmful not Helpful – Tobacco, a product which is harmful by nature and kills half its long-term users, is
much more widely available than other goods which are not by their nature harmful to health. Cancer Council
continues to advocate for tobacco retail reform in NSW.
Local Advocate Training – Cancer Council NSW offers a free, two-day training workshop where participants
learn everything from developing a campaign strategy, understanding media and Government structures to
visiting MPs, enabling the community to fully participate at all levels where decisions about cancer policy are
made. Visit canact.com.au to find out more.
Research Cancer Council NSW is able to conduct and fund world-class research that reduces the impact of cancer.
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Cancer Council NSW provides close to $15 million to support research across Australia. We’re proud of the
research breakthroughs that we’ve helped create – thanks to research into cancer prevention, treatment and
management, more than 61,000 cancer deaths were averted between 1987 and 2007.
With your help, a total of 77 vital cancer research projects were funded in 2015. In 2016 we announced that
an additional $12.5 million would be awarded to 14 research teams who are starting brand new research
endeavors.