Australian-first peer support trial launches at Peter Mac
26 July 2024
Peter Mac has launched the trial of an Australian-first ‘Volunteer Peer Navigators Program’ to support head and neck cancer patients at a jam-packed event this morning.
CEO, Professor Jason Payne, was joined by the CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia, Nadia Rosin, at the event ahead of World Head and Neck Cancer Day tomorrow, 27 July.
Head and neck cancers include a range of different cancers located in the head and neck but tend to have a lower profile than other cancer types.
“Head and neck cancers are a relatively small proportion of new cancer diagnoses each year but treatment and care often present unique challenges for patients and their carers,” Professor Payne said.
“Cancer and treatment can affect a patient’s ability to perform simple tasks such as eating, drinking, swallowing, speaking and even breathing, and can also impact on patient’s appearance.
“World Head and Neck Cancer Day is an opportunity to not only increase awareness of these cancers but also a chance to celebrate the courage and resilience of patients and their families as they manage their cancer journey,” he said.
Geri McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, said Peter Mac had received a Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund to trial a new Volunteer Peer Navigation Program in collaboration with Northern Health.
“The Head and Neck Peer Navigation Program will see volunteer patients and carers working with current patients and their families to help ensure they can access the support and services they need,” Geri said.
“The program is an Australian-first and is the result of a co-design partnership with our consumers and members of the Head and Neck Peer Support Program.
“This co-design element is crucially important and reinforces the messages our patients have shared with us at Peter Mac’s recent Patient Parliament event.”
Lora Winter, head and neck cancer patient and facilitator of the Victorian Head and Neck Cancer Support Group, said the support of peers who have experienced cancer is incredibly valuable for patients.
“This program has the potential to not only offer patients support, but also give them hope,” Lora said.
“Head and neck cancers can have a significant impact on patients and their families so to learn from those who have been on this journey and to see that there can be a positive outcome will be really important for people.”
Peter Mac will be holding information sessions for people wanting to be part of the Volunteer Peer Navigation Program on Thursday 8 August between 12:30pm - 1:15pm at Peter Mac and online (via Zoom) on Friday 9 August between 9:30am - 10:15am.
Please complete this short form to express your interest in the program and register to attend one of the above information sessions.
If you have any questions please contact Peta Wright, Patient Experience Project Lead at