We are excited to introduce the new Project Manager of the Cancer Wellness Centre, Amy Underdown.

Amy’s appointment follows the recent re-opening of the Centre, which remained closed in 2020 to protect patients living with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cancer Wellness Centre is a space where patients and families can chat with experts and volunteers for advice, support and information to help them during and after cancer treatment.

You can find Amy at the new welcome desk in the foyer of the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. Amy’s role is to coordinate services and programs that meet the needs of people with cancer and their families.

“The Centre is here to support people on their journey with cancer and also the people supporting them; their families and carers,” Amy says.

“I have an opportunity to help people going through, potentially, the most difficult period of life, which is a pretty amazing honour.”

The Cancer Wellness Centre extends support beyond treating cancer itself and is provided by the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.

The Centre offers patients and their families with holistic support that encompasses all aspects that contribute to a healthier life, so they can thrive, during and after cancer.

Your generous support along with support from the Dry July Foundation and Mix 102.3, created this relaxing and welcoming space and programs to help people living with cancer, thank you.

Some of the services are available are:

• Nutrition education sessions with a dietician including what to eat following cancer treatment
• Sessions with a physiotherapist for advice on managing cancer-related fatigue and exercise during and post cancer treatment
• Arts in Health activities including meditation and relaxation to music, creative writing and art therapy
• Social work information sessions related to finances, stress management, legal directives and grief, loss and survivorship

A Cancer Council SA Outreach Nurse has also joined the Centre to provide additional emotional and practical support.

The cancer wellness program schedule can be found online here, in the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer or by contacting Amy at Amy.Underdown@sa.gov.au.

“People are really thankful for the Cancer Wellness Centre,” Amy says.

“Whether it’s a meditation or art therapy class that makes someone feel better for one hour or a day, or an ongoing program that helps someone to achieve a better outcome, this support can make a difference.

“A lady stopped by recently and said, ‘This place looks amazing! It’s so comfortable and welcoming. My partner went through cancer years ago and I wish we had a space like this to visit.”

The Centre will continue to introduce more programs and services.

Amy is encouraging people with cancer and their support networks to share their ideas.

“It’s important we talk to the people using the Centre to find out what programs and services would benefit them because, ultimately, that’s why the Cancer Wellness Centre exists – to support those people,” Amy says.

“We want people going through cancer treatment here at Flinders Medical Centre or in Southern Adelaide to know that this is a place they can come, sit and relax, have a tea or coffee and participate in our programs or workshops. It’s a space for you.”

Your generosity will support the ongoing delivery of programs in the Centre.

“The Cancer Wellness Centre has the potential to support a lot of people and it wouldn’t be possible without the donors, sponsors and partners who have supported the development of the Centre.”