Peer-to-peer support aims to connect people with others in a similar situation to talk about a challenge, experience or role that they have in common without fear of being judged.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network connects patients and loved ones on a one-to-one buddy basis that enables members to give and receive advice about their bowel cancer experience in an informal and mutually beneficial way.
The Network helps to reduce feelings of isolation and allows buddies to learn first-hand from the experiences of someone in a very similar circumstance.
The Network is Australia's only national support group for bowel cancer patients and loved ones and is particularly beneficial for those who have recently learnt of their bowel cancer diagnosis as the guidance is not theoretical, but practical, personal, and relevant.
Bowel Cancer Australia is committed to championing what matters most to people affected by bowel cancer and supporting individuals and their families through all stages of their journey.
We work hard to ensure ongoing awareness and support following a bowel cancer diagnosis.
In addition, members often advocate for mutual goals and create awareness about shared challenges.
This joint action leads to policies that better serve people living with or beyond bowel cancer.
The Support Network is informal, and members can be as involved as their time and lifestyle allow, in a variety of ways -
- offering support to other patients or relatives about their bowel cancer experience (on the phone, by email or face to face); listening to their concerns and sharing experiences (including treatment, side effects and coping strategies)
- raising awareness via local media and other means, or through Bowel Cancer Australia's campaigns
- organising fundraising events and activities
We aim to put members in touch with each other, matching them by age, gender, region and their stage of bowel cancer and treatment pathway.
Contact details of matched members are then provided, enabling buddies to contact each other at mutually convenient times.
Talking to another member who has been through bowel cancer, or who is going through a similar situation, can be enormously valuable and reassuring.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network is supported by our Bowel Care Nurses and Nutritionists.
If you are a patient or loved one and would like to join Bowel Cancer Australia's Peer-to-Peer Support Network,
please complete the form below.
Alternatively, please call Bowel Cancer Australia's Helpline on 1800 727 336.
