Wellspring

Wellspring is a Canada-wide network of charities, offering programs and services, at no charge and without referral, to anyone, with any type of cancer, at any stage in their journey.

How Wellspring Helps

Hearing the words “you have cancer” is life changing. Over 650 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every day, and 80% have significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges that go well beyond the important medical treatments they receive in hospital.  That’s where Wellspring fits in. 

How do Wellspring’s programs help people living with cancer and caregivers?

Wellspring offers programs and services that meet the identified needs of those living with cancer. The emotional distress of a cancer patient with unmet emotional needs can escalate to significant levels where it can compromise adherence to therapy, increase utilization of other healthcare services and elevate costs for care.

Wellspring has devoted its work to address these non-medical impacts of cancer. Research shows cancer patients who participate in the types of programs offered at Wellspring experience improved mental health resulting in higher quality of life and lower healthcare costs.

In other words, Wellspring’s programs and supports benefit cancer patients, caregivers and their families, and reduce the strain on healthcare resources.

Wellspring is the Canadian leader in cancer support programming, devoting itself exclusively to the unique non-medical impacts of having cancer. At Wellspring, people living with cancer, their families and friends can exchange information, develop a support system and create a sense of hope in a warm, caring community. A network of registered charities, Wellspring offers programs and services that meet the emotional, social, physical and practical needs of people living with cancer and those who care for them. All Wellspring’s evidence-informed programs and services are free-of-charge and available without referral. 

Wellspring Programs

Programs include online and in-person class in exercise, self developmental, symptom management, therapeutic arts, work place strategies and individual and support groups.

Exercise & Movement

Activity can be an important part of a cancer treatment plan, improving both physical and mental health. These health restoring programs help you recover from the various physical impacts of cancer.

Programs Include

Cancer Exercise; Exercise and Educate; Chi Life; Yoga; indoor and outdoor activities

Self-Development & Educational

Receiving the right support starts with information and education. Here you will learn about resources, strategies and tools to help you live well with cancer.

Programs Include

Healing Journey; Nourish; Be Well Talks; Resource Centres

Symptom Management

Cancer and cancer treatment can bring a variety of symptoms, from brain fog to general fatigue to pain. These programs help you manage your symptoms so you can live better with cancer.

Programs Include

Brain Fog; Cancer Related Fatigue; Breathing Wellness; Meditation; Relaxation and Visualization; Reiki or Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic Arts

Creative expression can foster healing, improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and support social development. Express yourself through visual arts, writing, music and more.

Programs Include

Art Workshops; Writing Workshops; Music Workshops

Finance & Workplace Strategies

Living with cancer brings many practical, real-life challenges, such as financial struggles, or returning to work following an extended leave of absence. These programs provide you with help overcoming challenges in the context of day-today issues.

Programs Include

Money Matters; Returning to Work; Wellness at Work

Individual & Group Support

Many people living with cancer find it important to find a safe and confidential place to share personal feelings and concerns with others in similar situations. Here you can receive individual and/or group support that is specific to your needs.

Programs Include

Peer Support; Counselling; Caregivers Connect; Children’s and Parent’s Program; Bereavement Support Group; Living Beyond Cancer Support Group; Gay Men’s Cancer Support Group; and other support groups