Peer Support
Get the help you need from someone who understands.
You need help with everything. Every minute of every day, you’re thinking, ‘how am I going to get through this?’ But you do. Somehow you do. And the only people who really understand are the people who have been through it already.
A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of overwhelming emotions and stress, often leading to feelings of isolation and uncertainty. We understand the importance of having someone to talk to about what you’re feeling – someone who has personally experienced what you’re going through – whether you’re a patient, caregiver or loved one of someone fighting this disease.
Pancreatic Cancer Canada has partnered with the cancer support experts at Wellspring to create a specialized program for our community that offers Peer Support and Short-Term Counselling specifically geared towards those experiencing the unique impact of pancreatic cancer. Our peer support volunteers offer a caring, comforting, non-judgemental ear to support you and your loved ones through this challenging time, all free of charge.
Peer Support Volunteers are specially trained and available to connect with you from the comfort and privacy of your home, either over the phone or via videoconference. During the conversation, you will be invited to share your story, your circumstances, and express any concerns and feelings you might have. Peer Support Volunteers can also offer additional resources, arrange for access to a counsellor, or other supportive care programs that may be beneficial to you based on your needs, interests, and location.
2021 Peer Support
by the Numbers
Peer Support Volunteers
Peer Support Appointments
Short-Term Counselling Appointments
Examples of what our Peer Support Volunteers can help you with:
- Emotional needs
- Information on nutritional needs
- Concerns around pain or symptom management
- End-of-life issues or care information
- Support or communication with children
- Bereavement support
- Other issues or stresses you are experiencing
Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Our Peer Support Program has been a lifeline for our community. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, requests from Canadians looking for peer support have doubled. In this time we have risen to meet the needs of our community through further volunteer recruitment and training to handle the increase in support requests. It is important to us that no one in our community is left behind.
While the impact of the pandemic is shifting across the country, many patients and caregivers are still feeling the isolation, frustration, and burden of Covid-19, both in terms of remaining safe and in handling the burden it has put on our healthcare systems, which is ongoing. You may want someone to talk to about:
- The anxiety of appointments and procedures being delayed
- The stress of not being able to visit loved ones
- General uncertainty as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted
The COVID-19 crisis has made an already intensely challenging experience more stressful, furthering the feeling of isolation that is already present for many impacted by pancreatic cancer. Whatever is on your mind during this time, we are here to help. You are not alone.
Read more about the how we navigated the increased needs of our community during the COVID-19 crisis in our 2020 Impact Report.
If you feel this type of support would be helpful to you, please complete a short contact form by clicking on the button below or by calling 1-877-499-9904, to quickly and efficiently schedule your appointment with a Pancreatic Cancer Peer Support Volunteer.
Your Experience Can Help Others
If you’ve been a pancreatic cancer patient, caregiver or loved one of someone with this disease, you have a very specific experience that could help others impacted by pancreatic cancer for the first time. You know the stress and anxiety that comes with this diagnosis, and what a benefit it is, or would have been, to have someone to talk to who understands. You could be that person for someone else.
Becoming a Peer Support Volunteer provides you with a meaningful way to help others through a challenging time and positively affect your own life while supporting others. The program is flexible for volunteers; easily adapting to your schedule and how active you can or want to be. If you have personal experience with pancreatic cancer and are looking for a meaningful way to give back, this is a great opportunity to help those feeling the anxiety and isolation of this devastating disease.
Interested in reading what it’s like to be a Peer Support volunteer? Read Joel and Debrah’s story.
Additional Resources
We are proud to share the stories of members of our community, including those who dedicate their time and experience to help others through our Peer Support program. Hear directly from volunteers on the benefits of our Peer Support program by clicking the images below.
In our partnership with Wellspring we have collaborated on a series of helpful videos specifically geared towards pancreatic cancer patients, caregivers and family members. These videos offer information from experts to help you in your day to day of living with or supporting someone with this disease.
Coping Strategies for Living with Pancreatic Cancer
The Good Enough Caregiver
With thanks to Servier for their support of our patient community through an unrestricted educational grant.
316-4211 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2P 2A9
Toll Free: 1-888-726-2269
info@pccf.ca
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