Education and support programmes

The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation run a number of education and support programmes. These are designed to give patients and families information which will help them make informed choices about their condition and treatment.

These sessions typically cover topics ranging from food and nutrition, lifestyle changes and the carer's role, to more specific information on individual diseases and treatments. Each session offers a safe environment where people can come together to share experiences and learnings as well as explore and address their own personal, psychological and emotional feelings and needs.

Being able to access this type of information is important as it empowers people to take control of their disease, learn more about it, and make informed choices about treatments and quality of life issues.

Click here to contact our Support Services Co-ordinators for details of local programmes.

Auckland

Multiple Myeloma

This group meets four times per year, usually on a Monday morning. Meetings are often held at Domain Lodge (Auckland Cancer Society Building), but the venue, time and date varies. A guest speaker is often invited and topics range from lifestyle advice to medical information, followed by morning tea and then group discussion. Anyone affected by myeloma is welcome to attend, including patients, families and caregivers.

Chronic Leukaemia

This group meets four times per year and venue, date and time varies. It is often held in the evening to accommodate those participants who work fulltime. Guest speakers are often invited, and nibbles are provided. Anyone affected by chronic forms of leukaemia (both CML and CLL) is welcome to attend, including patients, families and caregivers.

Moving on...the Next Step: Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Survivorship

This is a structured programme for patients who have recently undergone bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, and their families. It comprises four separate sessions run over the course of 12 months. Participants are welcome to join at any point in the programme, throughout the year. The sessions that we run focus on moving on after your transplant and returning to a normal life. This is run in conjunction with the Bone Marrow Transplant Service at Auckland City Hospital.

Lymphoma

This group meets three times per year but venue, time and date varies. It is usually held in the evening or at weekends to accommodate people who work fulltime and often features guest speakers on topics from lifestyle advice to medical information. Each year, in September, World Lymphoma Awareness Day is celebrated and the group meets for a special event to mark the day. Anyone affected by lymphoma is welcome to attend, including patients, families and caregivers.

Waikato

Multiple Myeloma

This group meets five times per year, in Hamilton, usually on a Friday afternoon, and afternoon tea is provided. Guest speakers are often invited, and time is given for the group to socialise and discuss any relevant personal issues. Anyone affected by myeloma is welcome to attend, including patients, families and caregivers.

Lymphoma and Chronic Leukaemia

This group was formed after many requests from people in the Waikato region who live with these diseases. It is a forum to meet others and discuss a wide range of topics, from how best to manage side effects of treatment, to the impact of diagnosis. If you are interested in joining, please contact Amy on 0800 15 10 15 or amy@leukaemia.org.nz

Bay of Plenty

Blood-Related Cancers and Conditions

This group provides a forum to meet others and discuss a wide range of topics, from how best to manage side-effects of treatment, to the impact of diagnosis. This is a small group that is keen to invite new members. If y ou are interested in joining, please contact Amy on 0800 15 10 15 or amy@leukaemia.org.nz

Hawkes Bay

Blood-Related Cancers and Conditions (morning)

Aimed at people who are available during the day, this informal support group meets every three months in the morning. It is a social group with the emphasis on normalising feelings and experiences, rather than structured education. Dates and times vary.

Blood-Related Cancers and Conditions (evening)

Designed to cater for working people, this informal support group meets every three months in the evening. It is a social group with the emphasis on normalising feelings and experiences, rather than structured education. Dates and times vary.

Taranaki

Blood-Related Cancers and Conditions

This informal, support group meets four times a year. This is a social group with the emphasis on normalising feelings and experiences, rather than structured education. Dates and times vary.

Christchurch

Multiple Myeloma

This group meets every second month to provide an informal forum for people with myeloma. Anyone affected by myeloma is welcome to attend, including patients, families and caregivers.