The second annual McKean McGregor Gala Ball was help on 17 June. As a direct result of the funds raised from this and the inaugural Ball in 2022, Bendigo Health has been able to offer any cancer patient across the Loddon Mallee region access to immediate counselling sessions to deal with the psychological challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Counselling session are available via the patients preferred method of live chat, voice chat or video chat and are offered within 48 hours of the patients making contact.
One of the grateful patients to benefit from this new service shares their story below.
Testimonial
"When you are told you have cancer, and in my case, that it’s incurable, you feel adrift in unfamiliar territory. There are lots of services that provide outstanding support. In the beginning however, you just don’t have the headspace to sift through the plethora of information. It’s just not your biggest priority in those early days/months.
There comes a time however, when the initial shock and fog clears. At that point, you start thinking about what else you need to support you and your family through this. It was at this point that I learnt about Connect Psych and their arrangement with the Bendigo Health. I was entitled to five free consultations, thanks to the magnificent fundraising efforts of the Wellness Centre staff.
I particularly liked the flexibility that Connect Psych offer. It is an e-counselling service that gives the client a choice of practitioners so you can choose the best person based on your needs. Appointment times are very flexible, and you can access them 7 days a week. This allows you to choose times that suit you. You may want to have everyone else out of the house, work around treatment schedules or choose the time of day that you know works best for your energy levels.
This service has been invaluable in helping me sort through the good, bad and ugly thoughts about having a terminal illness. As great as family and friends can be, having someone outside of your inner circle to talk to, has allowed me the freedom to really discuss my inner most thoughts, worries and fears.
My sessions with Connect Psych, have given me practical strategies that help me cope when my thoughts get stuck in a loop. This has been very beneficial to me, and in turn, my family and friends. I’m in a better place of acceptance and therefore, those important people in my life are more relaxed around me. Ultimately, it’s about making the most of the time I have left with those I love. I feel more empowered to do that now, thanks to my experience with Connect Psych."
Anon
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