Programs and Services

Programs

All programs are free to the community

Breast Cancer Support Services is the most comprehensive resource centre for breast health and breast cancer information in the Halton-Hamilton area.

We offer a wide range of programs and services, particularly information, support and referrals for women and men with breast cancer. We have developed relationships with other breast cancer organizations and cancer centres throughout the province which allows us to keep you updated about treatments, supportive care and research issues.

At our centre on Brant Street in Burlington, Ontario we offer the following free programs and services:

• Support Groups (including a group for younger women, older women and an advanced cancer group)
• Walk-In Peer Support from Volunteers who have "been there"
• Information and Resources
• Comfort Kits (for the newly diagnosed)
• Chemo Kits (for people in treatment)
• Referrals
• Library with over 300 books, tapes, CD’s
• Breast Health Workshops - see Community Education
• Wigs and Prosthesis lending
• Serenity Garden
• Healing Programs and Seminars:

Reiki - The word Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a Japanese kanji for universal life-force energy. Reiki is a Japanese holistic, light-touch, energy-based modality. Working as a support mechanism to the body, Reiki re-establishes a normal energy flow of ki (life-force energy) throughout the system, which in turn can enhance and accelerate the body’s innate healing ability. Through a series of hand positions either directly on or just above the body, the energy worker allows for the flow of energy through their body. The client’s body then draws off the amount of energy that is required. The simplicity of a Reiki session may raise some skepticism, however, after experiencing it, many clients keep coming back for more of those relaxing feelings.
An ancient practice rediscovered in Tibetan Monasteries by a Japanese theologian, Reiki is a hands-on healing technique in which the master channels energy and directs it into the client.

Reflexology - Reflexology is a focused pressure technique, usually directed at the feet or hands. It is based on the premise that there are zones and reflexes on different parts of the body which correspond to and are relative to all parts, glands and organs of the entire body. When the reflexes are stimulated, the body’s natural electrical energy works along the nervous system to clear any blockages in the corresponding zones. A reflexology session seems to break up deposits (felt as a sandy or gritty area under the skin) which may interfere with this natural flow of the body’s energy. Manipulating specific reflexes removes stress, activating a parasympathetic response in the body to enable the disharmonies to be released by a physiological change in the body. With stress removed and circulation improved, the body is allowed to return to a state of homeostasis.

Art Therapy- Art therapy isn’t for artists! Though we do use art materials, the emphasis is on the actual making of art, not the outcome (we say we focus on “process” not “product”). Art Therapy is used to help people by providing a safe, interesting and stimulating format. Some might use the time to enjoy new art materials. It can be used to provide comfort and soothing. It can be a way to express one’s feelings or to explore thoughts and develop insight. Your art is a concrete representation of this.
Meeting in a closed group format can be helpful for those who would like to be a part of a group and would like to be supported by a group. Everyone is welcome to participate at whatever level they feel comfortable.

Meditation - Meditation is a tool to manage stress, tap into our inner wisdom, relax and activate our natural healing ability. The purpose of meditation is to find happiness and well-being within the mind, regardless of what is going on in the body. Guided imagery encourages internal harmony and increases our ability to heal emotional and physical upsets. Meditation requires no belief or lifestyle change, is nonreligious and can be learned by anyone regardless of age or education.

Energy Healing - Learn how to use your energy to heal yourself. The focus will be on grounding our energy and transforming our emotions. Grounding.....balances the sky-energy with the earth-energy, helping us reclaim our connection to body, nature, generativity, femininity, social spirit and empathy. The grounding technique asks us to see the lower chakras as parts of a triangle whose points are the perineum and the two ovaries (energetically, men also have them).
This triangle becomes our furnace, which draws in our light to purify and heal the body.
The emotional work in the grounding technique is sophisticated. When practiced diligently it profoundly evolves our soul, transmuting our emotions and creating within us a state of love.

If you are in need of something that is not on the list above, contact us. We will help you find what you are looking for.

*Studies show that women with breast cancer do better physically and emotionally if they have a good support system in place.*