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 905-667-8870 ext. 203 or email Ana.
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 7:30 pm
Upcoming Program Dates: Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3
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: Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5
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)
Upcoming Program Dates: Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4, Nov 18, Dec 2, Dec 16
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: Oct 7, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18
Tuesdays 1:30 to 2:30 pm, 6-week series
Upcoming Program Dates: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5, 12
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: Nov 13, 20, 27; Dec 4
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: Oct 9, 16, 23, 30
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: TBA
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
We’ve chosen to focus on the theme of “change” this year, as many patients and family members find themselves navigating the often unanticipated twists and turns of diagnosis and treatment. We hope you find this series informative and helpful for anyone living with or caring for someone with a cancer diagnosis.
Upcoming Lecture Dates:
Navigating Diagnosis & Treatment, Wendy Bursey, RN, CON (C) – Oct 8, 7 – 8pm
Rediscovering your Sense of Identity, Dr. Danielle Petricone-Westwood, Ph.D., C. Psych. – Nov 12, 7 – 8pm
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