2020 - Counterpart

Connecting online

We have been running some of our information sessions as webinars since 2014, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our events are being moved online. Although many miss face to face connections, joining an online event can be a great way to stay connected or to try something new.

Susan has attended a number of our events and has kindly shared her experiences.

Wellbeing activities in online workshops

I have found the Counterpart workshops to be a wonderful way to keep connected in these uncertain times. The activities that Counterpart offer have been very enjoyable, especially the Meditation workshop.

I participated in a belly dancing online workshop recently, and had a great time. This is not something I would have participated in if it wasn’t available online. Having the ability to do these classes at home has made me feel more relaxed and I have experienced an increase in interaction between myself, the teacher, and the others participating in the class. It is absolutely lovely to chat with the other ladies.

The Feldenkrais workshop was a lovely way to become more aware of my body. The teacher was clear in her instructions. This workshop left me feeling very relaxed and it was wonderful to do this class in the comfort of my own home. Not having to travel a few hours to and from the Counterpart Resource Centre eliminates so much stress, making all these classes even more enjoyable to participate in.

Getting information from webinars

I also enjoy watching the webinars live, however, having access to them at a later date can be more practical sometimes. This is excellent as I am not always available when the webinar’s occur. This makes me so grateful I have this option. I don’t have to miss out. If I have any questions they can be submitted beforehand to be answered during the webinar.

The presenters are always very informative, generally including visual slides which I enjoy. They answer the questions thoughtfully and I am often able to personally relate to the questions that are asked from my own experience.

I enjoy scrolling through the recorded webinars and choose ones that I feel like watching. ‘Shrink your worries’ was a really enjoyable webinar which I watched three months after it was recorded. I would highly recommend Counterpart for online workshops and webinars.

Visit our Upcoming events page for all Counterpart’s upcoming webinars and online workshops.

(Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels).

Coronavirus update – we are continuing to support women with breast or a gynaecological cancer

Women’s Health Victoria recognises we are in unprecedented times and now more than ever it is important that we continue our work supporting women and advocating for gender equality.

Like everyone, we are watching the situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) carefully. You can read the latest recommendations from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services here.

Our main priority is looking after the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses our service, our volunteers and staff.

Until further notice, all of community-based events are postponed or suspended including our Feel Good gentle exercise program.
We will continue to provide webinars and online workshops. See our upcoming sessions page for more information.

We are here if you need us and will continue to provide peer support on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm.

Call 1300 781 500, email [email protected] or request a call from a Peer Support Volunteer.

For translated information, updates and advice about the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry, visit the Victorian Government website.

Further information about the virus is available here:

When isolation and cancer coincide

Many women affected by cancer say they don’t want to burden their loved ones with their thoughts or worries about their cancer. With so many people understandably concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing impact, you might be feeling even more pressure to put on a brave face. This can leave you feeling even more isolated.

May is one of the Counterpart Peer Support Volunteers who is working from home at this time making calls to women experiencing breast or a gynaecological cancer. She shared her thoughts on how she is able to help the women she talks to.

‘Peer support means using my experience to help someone in a similar situation. I can walk alongside someone who has experienced cancer to comfort and help them as I have walked along a similar path. It might be their first time diagnosed with cancer or they may have been on the path before and just want someone to listen to their story.

Right now, peer support is especially important, as many of us are feeling the effects of isolation. I think Counterpart Peer Support Volunteers can help because we know what it is like to have cancer, and we can give women a space to talk through their feelings or worries.

Feelings of uncertainty and a sense of being even less in control may be magnified at this time.

Someone undergoing treatment may feel concerned about infection with their already low immunity. Telehealth is assisting women in receiving medical care, but some have found they miss the extra emotional support and comfort they get from a face-to-face appointment.

Separation from support systems due to social isolation measures may be distressing for some who cherish every moment they have with their loved ones. Their regular care may also be disrupted at this time. With virtual meetings, the healing power of touch is unfortunately restricted.

The women I speak with as a Peer Support Volunteer can see that we survived through the tough times and ‘live to tell the tale’. It can give them hope when they see that we are living well after the experience.

Many also want to share the war stories as well as the good news stories to really feel that they are not alone.’

Speak with a Peer Support Volunteer

Phone 1300 781 500 and leave a message
Email [email protected]
Request a call online

Some free guided meditations to help you look after yourself

If you are stuck at home because of the coronavirus precautions, it may be a good time to give guided meditation a try.

During stressful times, following a guided meditation can be helpful. Meditation is a practice that can help you clear your mind. It can also calm your emotions and improve your wellbeing. Many women find this helpful, especially when worried or anxious.

Our friend Matt Young, the director of the Melbourne Meditation Centre, has shared some short guided meditations with us.

Matt has presented many wonderful meditation sessions at Counterpart/BreaCan over the years. We appreciate his clear, kind and no-fuss approach to meditation.

You can visit the Melbourne Meditation Centre‘s website for more information, meditation CDs and online meditation courses.

Matt is also presenting our online workshop on meditation on 4 May.

Three Senses Meditation (for immediate anxiety relief)

Calming Breath

At Home Within Yourself

Cancer Survivorship Care Consensus Statement

In 2019, community support organisations met to discuss work around cancer survivorship. One of the key recommendations from these forums was to produce a consensus statement. This was facilitated by the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC).

Counterpart, as a service of Women’s Health Victoria, is proud to be one of the 19 community support organisations to have endorsed this statement.

The statement outlines the important role of community support organisations in supporting people who have been diagnosed with cancer. It also identifies the different ways community support organisations help people affected by cancer.

Download the Community Support Organisations’ Cancer Survivorship Care Consensus Statement (PDF 1MB).