Central Coast LHD - CoastCanCare

Now in its fifth year, 2017, Central Coast Local Health District’s CoastCanCare Wellness Program continues to go from strength to strength with the support of the Dry July Foundation and the generosity of the public that nominate CoastCanCare as their beneficiary.

The Program provides information and practical tools and support to promote wellness for adult cancer patients in our local community. The Program also allows for a patient’s carer or family member to attend sessions and this has proved to be invaluable for the ongoing treatment and care of the patient.

CoastCanCare sessions provide advice on nutrition, psychosocial and physical care, distraction therapies such as meditation and mindfulness and occupational activities such as music and art therapies and exercise. The feedback from attendees has always been very positive and we are grateful for the opportunity to once again be part of the Dry July “family” in 2017.

All donations received from the Dry July Foundation – as with all monetary support for the District – goes directly to patient care to enable us to continue to provide the best care and treatment possible for our patients.

CoastCanCare is a supportive program for adults on the Central Coast living with cancer. The program's goal is to address the needs of patients and incorporates care domains in nutrition, psychosocial care, physical therapy, speech pathology, care coordination, and access to complementary therapies such as Music, Art Therapies. Dry July 2016 funds will continue to support CoastCanCare.

Currently scheduled programs include: 4 x 8 week Practical exercise classes, “Your Next Step to Wellness”; 3 x 6 week “Project Wellness” courses; 2 x “Staying Positive” workshops; and 2 x “Self-Care” workshops – facilitated by Quest for Life. 

The program has recently released outcomes from its first 18 months, wherein it provided 250 hours of programs to more than 200 individual adults, as well as 500 hours of additional therapy. Of participants surveyed, 81% of participants said the program helped motivate them to change habits and improve their own wellness.  

“I was overwhelmed with the positive impact this program is having on me and my family’s life.  I’ve been through two lots of cancer……….I’d lost interest in life and the continual struggle to survive.  

I’m so grateful for the wonderful support, practical information and actions. It has totally transformed my life.  I’m now planning for my future and am writing ‘to do’ list:  ticking each one off at a time.  I feel more in control of my life, my future.   

I only wish I had attended earlier.  When unwell, putting energy into anything else seems impossible or even pointless.  The courses were just perfect and gave the exact amount of information – neither too much nor too little.  The presenters were professional, sensitive and gave practical, life-saving information.  I particularly appreciated Sue McConaghey’s approach and Vanessa’s music therapy just grabbed me at another level.  Understanding opiate drugs for pain management helped me accept and use them appropriately.  The importance of staying motivated to exercise in the recovery process was another life saver.  The fact it was free, helped our situation incredibly.

My partner and I wish to thank you………for your generosity, magnificent contribution and deep thoughtfulness in providing the Wellness Program - you have put colour, music and magic back into our lives.”

S.L. & P.L 

CoastCanCare is almost entirely funded through the support of Dry July. In 2015 the Dry July Foundation awarded additional funding for this worthwhile program, through the Dry July Grant Program.

This grant will be used to expand current program offerings (including wellness seminars, music therapy, and exercise) as well as offer additional programs such as tai chi and art therapy to cancer patients, their carers and families on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) in NSW will continue the CoastCanCare Wellness Program with funds from Dry July 2015.

CoastCanCare receives most of its funding from Dry July.