Join us for a day of wellbeing activities and connecting with others who’ve had a similar experience.
All sessions are free, morning tea and a light lunch will be provided. You are welcome to stay for all or part of the day.
Program for the day:
10.00am Registration and welcome.
10.30am Flowing Movement: Qigong for wellbeing
11.20am Morning tea (fruit provided)
11.30am Holistic sleep solutions: Strategies for restful sleep
12.00pm Psychology and sleep information session
12.30pm Lunch (provided)
1.30pm Art therapy: a guided creative experience
2.30pm Thank you and closing remarks
Audience: Women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis (recent or in the past) are invited to come along and try some wellbeing activities and chat with other local women. They are welcome to bring a friend, partner, family member or carer along too.
Counterpart is happy to be partnering with Grampians Health Ballarat Cancer Wellness Centre for this special event.
Click here to register for the Ballarat Wellbeing Day for women with cancer
Or call us on 1300 781 500
Registrations close 12 noon on Tuesday 15 October.
More information on sessions and presenters
Flowing Movement: Qigong for wellbeing
Howard Evans, Bakery Hill Natural Health
Howard has had a career in Complimentary Health Therapies for 25 years. He holds a range of qualifications including remedial and soft tissue massage therapy, oncology massage, lymphatic drainage, Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies Training and aromatherapy. Howard was also a Registered Trainer and Assessment at East West College Caulfield in 2006 – 2017.
Howard has managed Bakery Hill Natural Health Clinic in Ballarat from 2006 to present day.He commenced training in Open Sky Qigong in 2011 and Completed Facilitator Training in 2014. He also began running Open Sky Qigong classes in the Ballarat area in 2014 and continues these classes today. Howard runs Wellness, Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy Trainings and Retreats, and Qigong Training sessions in Melbourne, Ballarat, Clunes, Buninyong Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
Open Sky Qigong Practices.
Over 5000 years ago ancient sages developed practices relating to their internal Qi (Chi) or life force and discovered that Qi moves in certain pathways. When these pathways are blocked Qi is restricted in its flow and pain and disease result. Over time sages replicated the movements of animals and their surrounding natural environment to promote the free flow of Qi through these pathways within their bodies. These movements helped to promote flexibility and vigor of the body, mind and spirit.
Today there are hundreds of schools and styles of Qigong that have developed. Some focus on spiritual development, some on martial arts and others focus on health on all levels
(physical, mental emotional and spiritual). This latter style is the focus of the Open Sky (Medical) Qigong Style. We combine gentle, focused, flexible movements with relaxed breathing practices and mindful guided meditation styles to promote better health outcomes, that respects each individuals need to be encouraged, supported and heard. Through these nourishing practices participants notice that anxiousness declines, sleep improves, and pain is reduced. These and other conditions are often improved with regular practice. These simple Qigong practices often bring transformation into people's lives and allow us to grow and experience peace, gratitude and thanksgiving each day.
Holistic sleep solutions: Strategies for restful sleep
Howard Evans, Bakery Hill Natural Health
In this session, we’ll explore how strategies such as aromatherapy, breathing techniques, and passive stretching can enhance your rest. Aromatherapy utilises natural chemical components in essential oils that interact with the brain's emotional centres, producing a calming effect that reduces stress. Breathing exercises promote a sense of calm, balance, and relaxation, supporting the nervous system and creating an optimal environment for rest. Passive stretching alleviates muscle tension, enhances relaxation, improves blood flow, and reduces stress, facilitating a smoother transition to bedtime. Combining these methods provides a holistic approach to achieving a more restful night’s sleep.
Psychology and sleep information session
Kerry Easton, Clinical Psychologist, Grampians Health
Kerry is a Clinical Psychologist with 8 years post registration experience. Upon completing her Master's student placement Ballarat Health Services in 2015 Kerry began working in Psycho-oncology. Kerry has since worked with both patients and carers in the Oncology space at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne and Grampians Health.
What is Psychooncology in cancer care? Having cancer can affect people in many ways. The psychological impact of cancer can affect a person’s overall ability to function, quality of life, and capacity to cope. The field of psychooncology considers the psychological, social and behavioural aspects of cancer.
Join us for an insightful information session focused on understanding and improving sleep. We’ll start with an exploration of what sleep is and why it’s crucial for overall health. Next, we’ll address the specific sleeping issues faced by people with cancer, providing valuable coping strategies.
Art therapy: a guided creative experience
Fiona Hocking, Creative Butterfly Expressive Arts Therapy
Fi, the passionate director and art therapist at Creative Butterfly Expressive Arts Therapy, specialises in supporting individuals, especially women with cancer, through their healing journey. Utilising art-making, movement, music, and other creative processes, Fi helps clients manage stress and enhance well-being. With personal experience in trauma and health crises, Fi offers both one-on-one and group sessions, including telehealth options, to foster creativity and joy in life.
