12 September 2024
The Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group’s recent meeting underscored their unwavering commitment to improving men’s health through practical, meaningful peer support. With 42 attendees, including members, their partners, and guest speaker Linley Watson, PCFA’s Community Engagement Manager, the session was led by Bill Rebula and some of the group’s dedicated eight-person facilitation team.
Marking 21 years of successful operation, the group’s dynamic meeting format continues to inspire its members through a rich mix of activities and heartfelt discussions.
The morning kicked off with key announcements, touching on local health events and new treatments. Members also shared uplifting personal milestones, like achieving undetectable PSA levels, while addressing ongoing challenges such as recent surgeries. A member interview added a personal dimension, offering a glimpse into life outside of prostate cancer.
A lively group exercise session quickly became a highlight, getting everyone up and moving, demonstrating the vital role of staying active in your overall well-being. Laughter and movement filled the room, reminding everyone that fitness can be fun and rewarding.
Celia Bolton, founder and director of Inner Strength Healthcare, delivered a compelling guest presentation. Introduced by Ian Knox, who spotted a “Meditation” sign outside her clinic, Celia delved into the power of mindfulness and meditation for managing cancer-related stress. Leading the group through grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and body scans, she addressed common concerns, emphasizing, “We don’t meditate to be good at meditation, we meditate to get good at life.”
As the meeting wrapped up, Bill left everyone with an empowering message: “Broaden your ideas about your health,” urging members to embrace these new strategies for a healthier, more balanced life.
Meetings are held on the last Friday of the month at 10am at the Belmont Park Pavilion. For more details, please call Bill Rebula on 0414 524 155.
For support with prostate cancer, PCFA is here for you and your family. Call us today on 1800 22 00 99 or visit https://www.prostate.org.au/nursing-support/.