Cancer Care Centre Inc
Cancer Care Centre was established in March 1985 by cancer patients, family members, carers and others (an oncologist, GP and two psychologists). The Centre operated out of the Westbourne Park Uniting Church in Adelaide. Counselling, support groups and therapies (massage, reflexology) were offered along with the ‘Coping with Cancer’ course.
In earlier times of the Centre, growth was funded by membership fees and payment for services. Overheads were minimal in that it was more or less run along the lines of a large support group with the only expenses being for rental of the Church hall and stationery. However, as the Centre’s grew, the church hall became too small, and a move was inevitable.
In the late 1980s, the Centre moved to its present location in Unley (a cottage rented from the City of Unley). A library was started with donated books and has grown into the largest library of its type – ie, run by a not-for-profit community-based organisation in South Australia dedicated to cancer and well-being. A Board of Management was formed and a Manager appointed.
Cancer Care Centre Inc is a community based, not-for-profit organisation offering a wide range of complementary care to support cancer patients and their families.
Complementary care refers to a variety of holistic health services which enhances well-being on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels.
Areas specific to cancer care include interpersonal support such as counselling and support groups; stress management approaches including meditation and massage; and nutritional approaches to create a healthy diet.
Research has demonstrated that complementary care improves cancer patients’ well-being and may assist them to better tolerate their medical treatment for optimal outcomes.
Today, Cancer Care Centre is staffed by a part time manager, part time Office Administrator and 45 volunteers, many of whom have been affected by cancer in their own lives. They include Support Workers and Practitioners experienced in the fields of counselling and an extensive range of therapeutic choices.
The Centre receives no government funding, relying solely on donations and fundraiser. A South Australian charity helping South Australian families.