October may not be the start of the new year, but it’s as good of a time as any to introduce new programs and updates to existing ones.

We’re proud to introduce a brand new workshop and updates to existing programs based on your feedback.

NEW: The Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Workshop

Mindfulness is the experience of purposefully paying attention to the present moment, with emotional balance and openness. It allows you to find calmness and clarity despite the challenges of your cancer journey.

Self-Compassion is treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a dear friend, especially during difficult times.

This two–part workshop provides you with two important tools to help you cope with your cancer journey. The first part focuses on mindfulness, while the second part focuses on self-compassion.

The Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Workshop is an experiential and interactive workshop. Not only will you learn about these invaluable tools, but you will be able to apply and experience them firsthand, under the guidance of Bogena Nastalek, MSW.

What: Mindfulness and self-compassion workshop (in English and in person)
When: Sunday, October 15 and Sunday, October 29
Time: 9:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Where: The Hope & Cope Wellness Centre
Who: This workshop is for you if you are undergoing cancer treatments, have completed your treatments, are a caregiver, or are affected by someone close who has cancer.
Registration: We have a limit of 20 participants for the workshop. Please call 514 340-3616 to register. Registrations are on a “first come, first served” basis.

NOTE: This is a two-part workshop, so you must register for both sessions.

NEW: Cancer Connects for Our French Community

We now have a French support group for patients and caregivers. Alongside our existing English program Cancer Connects, we now offer, Patients et aidants.

Cancer Connects and Patients et aidants offer a safe space to share and support one another through your cancer treatment. It’s open to patients undergoing treatment and their caregivers.

What: Patients et aidants support group (in French and in person)
When: The 4th Tuesday of every month, starting October 24.
Time: 12:00 p.m.—1:30 p.m.
Where: The Hope & Cope Wellness Centre
Who: This support group is for you if you are undergoing cancer treatments.
Registration: Please call 514-340-3616 to register. For more information, please contact Olga at 514-340-3616 ext. 208 or at olga.szyncel.ccomtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Note: This support group is primarily for people undergoing treatment. Caregivers are encouraged to attend also, to provide support for the person you are caring for. If you are a caregiver and need support through your own journey, you can register for the Caring for Caregivers/Un espace pour les proches support groups.

UPDATED: The Revamped Art of Coping Program Returns to the Wellness Centre

The Art of Coping is one of Hope & Cope’s signature programs. It’s back on our regular schedule after a summer break.

After reviewing your feedback, we’ve made some adjustments to the program to better support you. These are the changes:

• Instead of being a full day, the program has been divided into two parts to make it more manageable and less tiring for participants.

• We’ve included a follow-up component during which participants can share with one another and discuss which tools worked best for them, how they were applied, etc.

What: The Art of Coping program
When: November in French (exact dates to be confirmed), January in English (exact dates to be confirmed)
Time: 2-2.5 hours (exact times to be confirmed)
Where: The Hope & Cope Wellness Centre
Who: This program is for you if you are undergoing cancer treatments, have completed your treatments, are a caregiver, or are affected by someone close who has cancer.
Registration: Please call 514 340-3616 to register. While we don’t have the dates yet, we will note your interest in the program and contact you when the first sessions are announced.