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.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to discuss your needs.
REGISTER FOR ANY PROGRAM(S) HERE.
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.
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 send us an email.
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: Apr 1, May 6, June 3, July 8*, Sept 9*
*Moved to second Tuesday due to holiday.
Support for Individuals with Gynecological Cancer (Virtual)
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: Apr 3, May 1, June 5, July 3
Support for Individuals with Breast Cancer (Hybrid)
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: Mar 24, Apr 7, May 5*, May 26*
*Note: As Wellwood will be closed on April 21, this meeting has been moved to May 5.
*Note: As Wellwood will be closed on May 19, this meeting has been moved to May 26.
“RETREAT DAYS for KIDS & their ADULTS” (In-Person)
Kids, ages 5-12, who are living with any serious illness in their family/household, are invited to bring their adults for a fun retreat.
Saturday Sessions this Spring, from 10 am – 2 pm
April 5 (“CREATURES, Great & Small”)
May 3 (“We are CHOSEN FAMILY”)
June 14 (“I can FLY!)
Locations vary, but all are accessible by public transportation, and parking will be free of charge. Lunch is included, so please advise of dietary needs and allergies. For details, or to register, contact Wellwood, or chat with your existing contact at JCC child life or at PYNK.
We are grateful to our friends at Project Concern (employees of Hamilton Police Service) and to the Ontario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation (as well as Hamilton Community Foundation.)
Register for each session individually, or all 3.
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: Mar. 24, Mar. 31, Apr. 7, Apr. 14, Apr. 28, May 5
*No session on April 21
Tuesdays 1:30 to 2:30 pm, 6-week series
Upcoming Program Dates: Mar. 25, Apr. 1, Apr. 8, Apr. 15, Apr. 22, Apr. 29
**Please indicate whether you wish to attend in-person or virtually
Note: There are limited spots available for in-person participation, however virtual participation is unlimited.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Expressing your Journey through Art – Drawing for Beginners
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: May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28
Expressing your Journey through Art – Watercolour for Beginners (Virtual)
This program involves instruction and practice using watercolour.
Wednesdays 10 am to 11:30 am
Upcoming Program Dates: June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16
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 will be hosting the following virtual interactive educational lectures. If you wish to attend all or one of them, please click on the link, and it will direct you to register on eventbrite:
Finding Hope, Meaning and a New Sense of Self, with Argin Malakian – April 8, 7pm – 8pm
Please note, that if you are unable to attend any of the above virtual sessions, you may access a recording on our website.
We hope you find these informative and helpful for anyone living with or caring for someone with a cancer diagnosis.
*If you prefer to register directly through Wellwood, please send us an email.
Wellwood’s Past Lectures
Click HERE to access recordings of our past lectures.
EXTERNAL PROGRAMS & GROUPS
To which we donate our space:
As committed community partners, we are pleased to provide use of our space at no cost for the programming offered by the following organizations and groups. We recommend connecting directly with organizers 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