We offer a range of services for you to access including emotional support and information, support groups and peer to peer connections – the choice is yours as it is important that you do what you are most comfortable with and what is easily accessible.
Currently our Face to Face Support groups are now being held online via a virtual meeting. All patients and carers are welcome to join! Please click on this link to register your interest in joining one of the online Virtual Support Groups listed below. Our team will respond to your request.
MPA groups meet on a regular basis and are unstructured, relaxed get-togethers open to those with melanoma and their family members and friends. These groups offer a safe and understanding environment and provide first hand insights, information and comfort to those attending. All are facilitated by MPA’s trained volunteer Peer Supporters, all of whom have also been touched by melanoma in some way. They do really ‘get’ what you’re going through as they’ve been there themselves.
MPA also has Peer Supporters who provide support by phone, face to face or email to those in their local area. Currently we have volunteers in Tasmania and Mackay as well as an Ocular Melanoma Peer Supporter.
Check out the map below to find out if there is a group or supporter near you. If you plan on attending a Support Group for the first time please contact us on 1300 88 44 50 so current details can be confirmed.
“Initially I wasn’t keen on attending a Support Group as I thought that was for people who couldn’t cope. I did go, with my friend, and have never looked back. Everyone was not only kind, they really got where I was coming from” – Rachael, Support Group Member
Currently our Face to Face Support groups are now being held online via a virtual meeting. All patients and carers are welcome to join! Please click on the button below to register your interest in joining one of the online Virtual Support Groups listed below. Our team will respond to your request.
Please be aware that times listed below are based on individual States/Territories time zones.
| Location | Date | Support Leader |
|---|---|---|
| NSW - Sydney/Central Coast | Wednesday 7th December | Martin Sander-Burns and Joanne Howarth |
| NSW - Hunter Region (Newcastle) | Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Lisa Hamilton |
| NSW - Wollongong | Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Karen Ryan |
| VIC - Melbourne | Thursday 8th December | Audrey Colbert |
| QLD - Brisbane/Gold Coast | Tuesday 6th December | Ingrid Kivikoski and Brian Bailey |
| QLD - Rockhampton/Townsville | Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Aaron Kelly and Lee-ann Lovegrove |
| QLD - Sunshine Coast | TBC - Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Christine Bleijie |
| QLD - Mackay | Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Nicole Johns |
| SA - Adelaide | Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Karen van Gorp |
| ACT - Canberra | Sunday 11th December | David Thiele |
| NT - Darwin | Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Rose Baartz |
| TAS - Tasmania | Phone 1300 88 44 50 to arrange individual phone call | Dianne Mason |
MPA run a support group in partnership with Cancer Council NSW twice a month on a Thursday for patients with Metastatic Melanoma. For referral information please call MPA on 1300 884 450.
In collaboration with Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) MPA provides Telephone Support Group (TSG) sessions for those with Metastatic Melanoma. The group meets twice a month for an hour each session. This TSG is open to anyone in Australia with metastatic melanoma. Each group session is restricted to a maximum of eight people. The aim of the TSG is to provide mutual peer to peer support from the comfort of your own home, the only thing necessary is a phone. The groups are facilitated by two health professionals, one from MPA and one from CCNSW. This service provides another option to overcome the tyrannies of distance, health and mobility whilst still providing a safe place to share feelings, experiences and gather ideas.
Registration is essential, please contact the MPA Support Line on 1300 88 44 50 for more information.
Due to Australia’s vastness, we are unable to provide a face to face support group in every area. However, MPA has a Facebook support group that will provide you with that safe, private and supportive space without you having to leave your home and is available 24/7. The barriers of distance, time, health and age can be overcome. This is a peer to peer support group, moderated by MPA staff on a regular basis.
Go to the Facebook Page: Melanoma Patients Australia Closed Support Group and ask to join. All those impacted by melanoma are welcome.
