Community Resources

The Patient & Family Resource Centre offers computers with internet access, books, pamphlets and DVDs with information about cancer, cancer treatment, nutrition, coping with cancer, and much more.

The volunteers in the Resource Centre can help you find what you are looking for. If there is not a volunteer on duty, you are still welcome to sign out library books or take pamphlets for free.

The Patient & Family Resource Centre can also be a quiet place to sit and relax. It is located on Level 1, underneath the main set of stairs.

Find support, gain confidence, lift spirits, take control.

Look Good Feel Better offers free two hour hair and cosmetic workshops for women with cancer. These workshops are led by trained volunteers. You will learn tips and techniques to help with the appearance-related side effects of cancer and its treatment. 

You will receive a complimentary kit of skincare and cosmetic products and you will meet other women with similar challenges. 

To register for the workshops: 

• Telephone: 1-800-914-5665
• Visit www.lgfb.ca for more information

Many people receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments experience temporary hair loss. The Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre provides a large assortment of wigs and turbans in a range of styles and colours to lend to cancer patients free of charge. You can borrow up to 1 wig and 3 turbans.

To access this service, visit the volunteer room on Level 1 (Room A1-901) on Level 1 and speak to a volunteer. The volunteer can help you select a wig or turban that best suits your needs and share information on how to properly care for the wig.

The Wig and Turban Boutique is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hours may be subject to change so please call in advance. Call 519-685-8112 for more information. 

The Canadian Cancer Society fights more than 200 different types of cancer through cancer prevention activities, advocacy efforts on important cancer-related issues and much more. The organization also funds world-class research and offers free information and support services that are proven to decrease stress and anxiety in patients and caregivers. The work of this community-based charitable organization is supported by volunteers and funded by donations from the public and money raised through fundraising activities.

Who can use the Canadian Cancer Society’s services?

These services are available to patients, their caregivers (family members, friends and others) and the general public. The Society’s services are free, confidential and available in more than 100 languages.

What types of services are offered?

A Cancer Information Service provides answers to questions about all types of cancer and many other cancer-related topics including referrals to community services (1-888-939-3333).

The Canadian Cancer Society’s website that offers reliable information that is easy to read. A wide-range of brochures and booklets can be downloaded and these materials are also available in print through the LRCP Patient & Family Resource Centre. Cancer.ca also has an online cancer encyclopedia for those looking for more in-depth information and a Community Services Locator that can help people find cancer-related services in their community or one nearby.

A Peer Support service connects patients and their caregivers to volunteers who have had cancer or cared for a loved one with cancer.

CancerConnection.ca is an online community for patients, survivors and caregivers. This community provides 24/7 support for people living with cancer and their family and friends.

Wheels of Hope volunteer drivers provide safe rides for people diagnosed with cancer to their treatment appointments (1-800-263-6750).

Community Services Locator is a searchable directory of over 4,000 cancer-related services across Canada (www.cancer.ca/csl).

How Do I Contact the Canadian Cancer Society?

For more information on the services listed above in your community, please call 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934), email cis@ontario.cancer.ca or visit www.cancer.ca.

Young Adults with Cancer Canada's (YACC) got your back! YACC is a national network of hundreds of young adults affected by cancer.

Their mission is to support young adults living with, through, and beyond cancer with digital, local and national programs. Visit www.youngadultcancer.ca for more information.

Wellspring is a community-based cancer support centre for individuals affected by cancer, as well as their family and friends. This support can begin with a diagnosis and can continue through treatment and beyond. The medical world can be stressful, chaotic, and tiring. Wellspring tries to be a safe haven – a place of strength for those affected by cancer.

Wellspring has trained and experienced volunteers on duty who are honoured to welcome you and listen to your story. They can offer suggestions, take you on a tour, or register you in a program.

Who Can Access Their Services?

Wellspring services are for individuals 18 years of age and older who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. Anyone who has been a cancer patient and those who care for them, including family and friends, can become a member. Membership is free. It also does not matter where you live. We are always here to help.

What types of programs and services does Wellspring offer?

Regular programs include:

• Art therapy
• Aquafit therapy
• Yoga
• Qi gong
• Reiki
• Therapeutic touch
• Meditation
• Look Good Feel Better

*Wellspring also offers specialty groups such as Cancer Exercise.

Ongoing support groups include:

• Patient         
• Caregiver
• Survivor
• Bereavement
• Breast reconstruction

Cancer affects the whole family. Wellspring’s programs are designed to benefit all family members. Services include a variety of regional resources, a lending library and internet access. All programs are
professionally led to help people become physically and emotionally stronger. Professionals discuss
coping skills and the energy healing programs allow members to feel rested and re-energized.

Contact Wellspring

Wellspring London and Region
382 Waterloo Street (Inside the YMCA)
London, ON N6B 2N8
Telephone: 519-438-7379    

Wellspring Stratford
55 Lorne Ave E., Unit 6
Stratford, ON N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-2232

*Online programming is available.

During your treatment, you may need some help in your home. Care coordinators will work with you and your family to get the information and services you need. 

You do not need a referral from your health care team. You or a family member can call the Home and Community Care office in your area.

What types of services do they offer?

• Nursing
• End-of-life care
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Nutrition counselling
• Occupational therapy
• Social work
• Speech-language therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Personal support, e.g. bathing, personal hygiene and dressing

How do I contact Home and Community Care?

Visit the Ontario Health at Home website.