Making access to services easier for those with cancer and their families is behind a new online support centre.
The Southern Cancer Society initiative includes a portal that connects users for video or phone consultations with a society navigators, as well as links to cancer-related resources and support groups.
Aimee Cosgrove, at Cancer Society Mid Canterbury, said she was excited about the initiative.
She has been part of a team designing the portal over the last year. She is also one of the navigators.
‘‘We want to make accessing our services, wherever you are, as easy as possible,’’ Cosgrove said.
Southern Cancer Society head of cancer services Craig Watson said the initiative allowed people to conveniently find the support they needed.
Southern Cancer Society was recently formed from the merger of the Otago Southland and Canterbury West Coast divisions of the Cancer Society New Zealand.
It had enabled society navigators from across the South Island to be available through the online support centre.
“Out of town, doesn’t mean out of touch. If there’s an internet connection, you can reach your navigator, search for information or sign up to support groups,” Watson said.
“You can still walk into our centres and clinics off the street or pick up the phone. Our cancer navigators will happily still come see you in your home too. This is about what works for you.’’
Another Mid Canterbury navigator is Mandy Wallace.
‘‘Some of my clients have already tried the service out. I have had such positive feedback,’’ Wallace said.
Cancer Society Mid Canterbury will begin drop-in sessions at the Methven i-Hub, Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, from 10am to noon on the the first and third Thursday of the month to help people access their services.
• To find the Southern Cancer Society online support centre go to southerncancersupport.org.nz
