Online education and support

We offer several ways for you to connect with others, learn more about blood cancer, and hear from healthcare professionals.

Our online support groups, education webinars, and private Facebook groups are moderated by Leukaemia Foundation staff and are open to anyone living with blood cancer, their family and friends across Australia, no matter where you live, what age you are or blood cancer stage you are at.

Our webinars, seminars and support groups are easy to access via Zoom – all you need is a device such as a smart phone or a computer / laptop and internet connection.

General Blood Cancer Support Groups (daytime and evening options available)

While we understand support groups aren’t for everyone, these groups are a great way to learn and connect with others in similar situations. These groups are interactive in nature and rely on the lived experience of each participant. Each group has a health and wellbeing focus which the conversation and connections are based on. You may find you walk away with some new knowledge or strategies of how to continue managing life with a blood cancer.

It was my first meeting like this and liked that we all helped each other with support and knowledge. This was my first time at one of these groups, I was made to feel comfortable with the group even though I didn’t know anyone else. It gave suggestions on how to handle situations that may have been difficult in the past. I felt great after the session and am definitely making changes that were discussed.

Specific support groups

Our small, private support groups cater to the following categories:

Carer Online Support Group

Being a carer is described as one of the most challenging (and rewarding) roles you will ever experience. However, there is often very little attention given to the needs of carers. This group provides a safe space for carers to share their experience, talk to other carers without judgement and learn ways to cope with the demands that being a carer brings.

It’s good to know there is a place for carers to get help.

20s – 40s Online Peer Support Group

Being a young – middle aged adult when diagnosed with blood cancer can throw a person’s world into turmoil. This is a time when independence is established and life responsibilities are growing. We understand that you may feel alone in this experience and seek connection with others in their age and stage of life ‘who just get it’. This group offers a space to chat about the issues and challenges that are relevant to them and along the way, help them in feeling more understood, less alone and better equipped to deal with life with blood cancer.

Men’s Online Support Group

Sometimes it can be hard to ask for and accept help – we understand this can be a challenge particularly for men. This group is specifically for men to access support in a non-judgmental and safe space with other men who can relate to the blood cancer experience – either as a man diagnosed with blood cancer or a support person of someone diagnosed. These groups are run by male facilitators and the discussion topics are geared towards the health and wellbeing of men.

I have an amazing wife, sisters, female work colleagues and female friends. However, it was excellent having an all male group of blood cancer patients.

Watch and Wait Online Support Group

This group is specifically for those who have not received any treatment for their blood cancer / disorder, in particular those with chronic or low-grade diagnoses.

Watch and wait, also known as ‘active monitoring’ is a term that can be misleading and anxiety provoking. Many people experience uncertainty being in a ‘holding pattern’, not knowing if or when they may need treatment. It can be hard to relate to others having chemotherapy or get the level of understanding or support you need from others. In this group, we will discuss the physical and psychological effects of this approach, provide an opportunity to share with others who may relate to this experience as well as strategies to assist in managing.

Education Webinars / Seminars

The Leukaemia Foundation’s education webinars / seminars are aimed at people living with blood cancer & their support people. Health professionals are also welcome to attend.

They cover current topics related to blood cancer, with a particular focus on health & wellbeing. The information is delivered by experts in the field and cover current information and research, practical strategies as well as personal experience.

These sessions are recorded and participants are able to pre-submit questions. Registration is encouraged but not essential.

Online communities

Join a private Facebook group

These are a friendly, supportive environment where you can share your personal experiences with your specific blood cancer with others who have the same diagnosis. Members can express concerns, ask questions and offer tips, share information and feedback on living with blood cancer. Only other members of the group can see your posts – your other friends outside the group will not see anything you have written there. Groups are also moderated by Leukaemia Foundation staff, who have professional backgrounds in support and allied health.

To join one of our private Facebook groups, click on the relevant Facebook link below; then you will need to ask to join the group via the button on the Facebook group’s page. You can also contact us directly on 1800 620 420 or via email at [email protected].

Our private Facebook groups are:

• Grief & Bereavement
• Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia
• 20s to 40s peer network
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma
• CML
• CLL
• ALL
• AML
• MDS
• Amyloidosis