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.
If you plan on attending a Support Group for the first time, or have any questions please click here to register your interest. Alternatively contact us on 1300 88 44 50. Our team will respond to your request. All patients and carers are welcome to join!
Please note: Times below for face to face events are listed in local time.
| Location | October 2024 Meetings | Meeting Format | Group Facilitator(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Melanoma Meet-Up | Wednesday 2nd October at 7pm AEST | Virtual | Martin Sander-Burns and Audrey Colbert |
| NSW - Sydney | Coming Soon | In Person | Martin Sander-Burns |
| QLD - Brisbane | Tuesday 1 October at 10am | In Person | Brian Bailey, Ingrid Kivikoski, Lyn Batchelor |
| QLD - Gold Coast | No meeting in October | In Person | Lyn Batchelor |
| ACT - Canberra | Sunday 13th October at 11am | Hybrid | David Thiele |
| QLD - Sunshine Coast | Wednesday 16th October at 12noon | In Person | Christine Bleijie |
| TAS - Tasmania | Monday 21st October at 5:30pm | Hybrid | Dianne Mason and Jenni Paton |
| QLD - Townsville | No meeting in October | In Person | Linda & Russell Lewis |
| NSW - Hunter | Thursday 31st October at 12:15pm | In Person | Lisa Hamilton |
| SA - Adelaide | Coming Soon | In Person | |
| Regional & Remote | Friday 11th October at 1:00pm AEDT | Virtual | Emma Zurawel |
| Mucosal Melanoma | Friday 4th October at 1pm AEST | Virtual | Emma Zurawel |
| Advanced Metastatic Melanoma | Thursday 10th October and Thursday 24th October at 1:30pm AEDT | Telephone | Emma Zurawel & Joseph Taylor (CCNSW) |
In addition to the above, there are ad hoc meetings held in Townsville and Rockhampton, in addition to a Hunter Region group running alternative months.
If there is no support group in your area, and you wish to connect with someone locally please contact the National Support Line on 1300 88 44 50.
MPA Support 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 firsthand 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.
If you plan on attending a Support Group for the first time click here to register your interest. Alternatively contact us on 1300 88 44 50.
“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
Please note that over the past few years the regular face-to-face groups were converted to online virtual meetings. However, as of 2023 some of the groups will be returning to face-to-face format, while others will remain virtual, and some will be a hybrid of the two.
If you plan on attending a Support Group for the first time click here to register your interest. Alternatively contact us on 1300 88 44 50.
Online virtual support groups run similarly to our face-to-face groups but use zoom – an online video conference program to hold meetings.
Zoom can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, with an option to dial in with a phone number if you do not have access to any of these options.
Online groups allow participants to to access the group from anywhere across the country in the comfort of their own home. MPA currently provides a number of general online virtual support groups, in addition to a Mucosal Melanoma virtual support group (see below for more information).
Some meetings allow for a ‘Hybrid’ option of both face to face and via zoom.
If you plan on attending a Support Group for the first time click here to register your interest. Alternatively contact us on 1300 88 44 50.
Virtual support group open to all patients, carers and family members affected by melanoma. Proudly supported By Bristol Myers Squibb join us for monthly virtual support group sessions and bi-monthly expert-led education followed by peer discussions.
This support group opportunity supports:
To express interest, fill out the form here:
https://melanomapatients.org.au/…/virtual-support…/ and choose the National Melanoma Meet-Up option.
MPA acknowledges the unique support required for Australian’s affected by melanoma living outside metropolitan areas. We are here to support the journey, whilst connecting you with peers going through like circumstances.
In June 2024 we launched a new Virtual Peer Support Group dedicated Australian’s affected by Melanoma living in regional, rural and remote settings, and we look forward to welcoming many more from within our community to join.
Proudly funded by the Supporting People with Cancer Grant, from Cancer Australia, this peer support group is run monthly for 1 hour via zoom.
If you live in a regional, rural and remote setting and interested in participating in this new safe and supportive virtual peer support group, or would like to find our more click the ‘Regional & Remote’ option via the following link: https://melanomapatients.org.au/…/virtual-support…/.
The nurse-led group provides monthly dedicated professional support for Australians living with mucosal melanoma. It allows peer support and sharing of experiences in a safe space. Participants can share their unique experiences and receive compassionate and professional support. Participants also receive information about mucosal melanoma from a specialist melanoma nurse and have an opportunity to connect with other people with mucosal melanoma, as well as connect to a broader range of support services.
If you plan on attending a Support Group for the first time click here to register your interest. Alternatively contact us on 1300 88 44 50.
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, 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 and trained volunteers.
melanoma specific support and information
To access this group click: Melanoma Patients Australia Closed Support Group and ask to join. All those impacted by melanoma are welcome.
A closed Facebook group specifically for loved ones and carers of those with melanoma.
To access this group click: Melanoma Patients Australia Closed Carers Support Group and ask to join.
