Programs
Wellwood is a collaborative community organization in Hamilton, Ontario, offering navigation, peer mentorship and empowering support programs for people living with cancer, including loved ones and caregivers.
Everything is provided at NO COST, accessible from any location via our hybrid model of in-person/on-line program delivery.
To protect vulnerable ages, programs are for 18+, with the exception of our programs for Kids & Youth. Please ask us for suggestions on how to support teens living with cancer in the family, or about local resources for children and teens with cancer. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to discuss your needs or REGISTER HERE.
PEER SUPPORT
One-on-one peer mentoring
A flagship program, connecting you with someone who has been there.
To arrange a peer mentor, please call 905-389-5884 or email Diane.
Meetings are conducted over the phone, email, and text.
For more information about the Peer Mentor program, click on the links below:
Curveball (Hybrid)
Two men’s groups – under 40 and over 40.
First Tuesday of the month 6 to 8:00 pm
Upcoming Program Dates: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4
Support for Individuals with Gynecological Cancer (Hybrid)
Discussion and support group. Sharing experiences in a setting of privacy, respect and community.
First Thursday of the month 10 am to 12 pm
Upcoming Program Dates: Dec 5, Jan 9*, Feb 6, Mar 6
*Note: As Wellwood will be closed on January 2, this meeting has been moved to January 9.
Support for Individuals with Breast Cancer (Hybrid)
A new pilot program offering a biweekly discussion group for individuals to share resources, and support one another in a safe and caring space.
Every other Monday from 1 pm to 3 pm (6 sessions)
Winter Program Dates: Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 24, Apr 7, May 5*
*Note: As Wellwood will be closed on April 21, this meeting has been moved to May 5.
Kids’ Program (Hybrid)
Activities, games, and self-care strategies for children and their families. All supplies are provided. Ages 6 to 12.
This program is delivered to children who are living with a serious illness in the family. Every other Wednesday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Upcoming Program Dates: TBA
Youth Program (Hybrid)
A space for youth to connect, learn, and lead together. Workshops are planned from youth input. Ages 13 to 17.
This program is delivered to youth who are living with a serious illness in the family. Every other Wednesday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Upcoming Program Dates: TBA
EXERCISE & MOVEMENT
Yoga (Hybrid)
Offering a selection of styles including Restorative, Gentle Hatha, and Chair Yoga.
Mondays 7 pm to 8 pm, 6-week series
Upcoming Program Dates: Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 3
*Note: No session on Feb 17
Tuesdays 1:30 to 2:30 pm, 6-week series
Upcoming Program Dates: Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25
Note: There are limited spots available for in-person participation, however virtual participation is unlimited.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Watercolour for Beginners (In-Person)
This program involves instruction and practice using watercolour.
Wednesdays 10 am to 11:30 am
Upcoming Program Dates: Mar 12, Mar 19, Mar 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16
Expressing your Journey through Art – Drawing for Beginners (In-Person)
This program involves drawing exercises with pencil to develop visual awareness, personal expression and reflection.
Wednesdays 10 am to 11:30 am
Upcoming Program Dates: Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 12, Feb 19
*Note: No session on Feb 5
Zentangle for Beginners (Virtual)
Learn the magnificent art of doodling.
Fridays 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Upcoming Program Dates: TBA
Creative Expression Practice Group (Hybrid)
A creative space for painters, drawers, zentanglers, and other art enthusiasts to socialize, share, and learn together, while working on their own projects.
Wednesdays 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Upcoming Practice Dates: TBA
(These sessions are not instructional).
MEDITATION & RELAXATION
Guided Visualization (Virtual)
The familiar voices of our volunteers featured in a pre-recorded series of relaxing visualizations.
Send an email to our team to receive weekly recordings, or click here to access recordings of our past Guided Visualization recordings
Mindfulness Meditation (Virtual)
A course to teach the practice of mental calming and physical relaxation.
Tuesdays 9:30 am to 11 am
Upcoming Program Dates: Feb 25, Mar 4, Mar 11, Mar 18, Mar 25, Apr 1
The Wellwood Labyrinth
Located at our community site. Accessible in Spring, Summer and Fall.
INFORMATION & NAVIGATION
Wellwood’s Lecture Series
Adjusting to Changes During the Cancer Experience
Wellwood offers a lecture series each year – which we hope you find informative and helpful for anyone living with or caring for someone with a cancer diagnosis.
Information about our next series is still to come, but below you will find a link to all of our past lecture offerings.
Wellwood’s Past Lectures
Click HERE to access recordings of our past lectures.
EXTERNAL PROGRAMS & GROUPS
We recommend connecting directly with the organizers of these groups to confirm meeting dates and times.
Look Good Feel Better
Register at www.lgfb.ca or 1-800-914-5665
Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumour Society
Contact: hamiltongroup.cnets@gmail.com
MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms)
Contact: jwhclark@gmail.com
BLADDER Cancer Canada
Contact: alexh@bladdercancercanada.org
Hamilton & District Multiple Myeloma Network
Contact: hamiltonnetwork@myeloma.ca
Amyloidosis Support Group
Contact: olenickmartyn@gmail.com