Latest News
Cuppa and a Chat is back for 2025
Posted 10 February 2025
Our popular online support group, Cuppa and Chat, will return in 2025
Held on Zoom, our online support group will be held on the last Monday of the month, with sessions at 11am and 7pm.
It is hoped the two session times will suit those who are working during the day, or who are in treatment and prefer a morning meeting time.
The groups are facilitated by BCS Chair Liz Pennington (7pm) and BCS National Coordinator Jane Bissell (11am). Both have had a breast cancer diagnosis and have extensive experience in the peer support space.
Please pre-register for the group you'd like to attend - there's more information on the Cup and Chat page here.
If you'd like to stay in touch with us, or become a BCS supporter through free Membership, please sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter!
Writing workshop a success!
Posted 21 November 2024
Breast Cancer Support and Pennington Consulting supported the life writing workshop
'Writing Your Breast Story' in Christchurch on 9 November 2024
"Thank you so much, I feel grateful for the opportunity and feel motivated to do more."
"Went above my expectations, very enjoyable and relaxing."
- Participant feedback
Under the guidance of experienced memoir writer and workshop facilitator Jane Bissell, seven women had the opportunity to write about their breast cancer experiences within a confidential and inspirational space in the first of a series of writing workshops planned for 2024-2025. The workshop was supported by Pennington Consulting, Breast Cancer Support, and by the Canterbury/West Coast Cancer Society who donated the use of their wonderful venue. Items donated by Pennington Consulting (mouse pads, note books, pens, and the cow squeezies) were a delightful addition, as were the books donated by authors Emily Searle ('Dear Boobs') and Jane Bissell (Welcome to the Amazon Club and The Pink Party).
The workshop encouraged those with a lived experience of breast cancer to write about that experience within a comfortable and reassuring environment. The first session explained the ‘nuts and bolts’ of storytelling and the second featured writing exercises that focussed on the breast cancer continuum of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and ‘down the track’.
All writers produced some wonderful work, generously shared their stories with the group, and enjoyed the day. More workshops are planned for 2025 in other locations - if you would like to receive notice of these and other events, please sign up for our newsletter by clicking on the button at right.
Becky's Christchurch fundraiser
Posted 1 November 2024
A wonderful group of women in Christchurch held a high tea in October, donating $400 to Breast Cancer Support.
Becky's High Tea raised funds for use by BCS nationally but also for support of the local Christchurch support group that meets monthly in cafes for social conversation and fun. The group posed for this lovely photo!
"We had a fantastic day. Thank you (Breast Cancer Support) for all your mahi for wahine with breast cancer."
- Kristeen Johnston
Our sincere thanks to all who gave so generously at the tea.
