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.
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.
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
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.
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. All patients and carers are welcome to join!
| Location | March 2023 Meetings | Meeting Format |
|---|---|---|
| QLD - Brisbane | Tuesday 7 March | Virtual on ZOOM |
| QLD - Sunshine Coast | Friday 17 March | Face to Face |
| NSW - Sydney | Wednesday 1 March | Face to Face (at MIA) |
| NSW - Sydney - Virtual | Wednesday 8 March | Virtual on ZOOM |
| NSW - Hunter Region | Next meeting April | TBC |
| ACT - Canberra | Sunday 12 March | Hybrid (virtual and face to face) |
| VIC - Melbourne | Thursday 2 March | Virtual on ZOOM |
| TAS - Tasmania | Thursday 30 March | Virtual on ZOOM |
| Mucosal Melanoma * | Friday 17 March | Virtual on ZOOM |
| Metastatic Melanoma Telephone Support Group | Thursday 9 March Thursday 23 March | Telephone support group in collaboration with Cancer Council |
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 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.
