Healthcare & Community Partners

Wellspring’s programs are led by paid professionals. Program leaders are highly qualified and typically hold at least a relevant university degree and a minimum of three years of experience in their discipline as well as in oncology. Areas of expertise include: social work, psychology, psychotherapy, nutrition, kinesiology, physiotherapy, nursing, and education.

Yes. Wellspring is committed to delivering only evidence-informed programs. Each program undergoes a rigorous review and evaluation process before being introduced. We actively consult the latest research and collaborate with academic institutions and health researchers to ensure all services meet high standards of safety, relevance, and impact. Programs are also evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure continued effectiveness.

Wellspring’s Program, Evaluation and Research Committee provides oversight and strategic guidance on program development. This committee reviews and approves all new program proposals and ensures that existing programs maintain established standards. Members of the committee include health professionals, program leaders, patients and caregivers, and experts in cancer research, evaluation, psychosocial support, and knowledge translation.

Yes. Wellspring offers a wide range of resources and programs online, and they are available to anyone in Canada living with cancer, as well as their caregivers and family members—regardless of where they live. Patients simply need to register as a Wellspring member (at no cost) to access these virtual programs from anywhere in the country. If an individual does not have access to a computer/internet, they can still receive peer support via phone. 

All core programs—whether educational, therapeutic, or physical—are delivered exclusively by qualified, paid professionals with expertise in fields such as social work, psychology, nutrition, and kinesiology. Volunteers do not facilitate or lead clinical or therapeutic programming. Only social-based and peer support programs can be facilitated by trained volunteers.

In addition, Wellspring does not offer peer-led support groups—all of Wellspring’s support group are professionally-led by qualified clinicians. In some cases, a support group may have a co-facilitator who is a trained volunteer with lived-cancer experience, working alongside the professional leader.

When Wellspring refers to its Peer Support program, it means one-on-one support provided by a trained volunteer with lived cancer experience. These volunteers offer compassionate listening, emotional support, and help navigating Wellspring’s programs and services.

This combination ensures that members receive high-quality, evidence-informed support delivered by professionals, while also benefiting from the warmth, empathy, and community connection that volunteers with lived experience help foster. Volunteers play a crucial role in helping Wellspring feel welcoming, accessible, and responsive.

Health professionals can refer patients directly by directing them to wellspring.ca, where they can register for membership and access programs immediately. They can also call 1-877-499-9904 for assistance, or visit any of our in-person centres during business hours.

Printed materials and referral tools are also available through our website, and we now offer streamlined ordering through our new online platform, allowing you to easily order Wellspring materials at no cost to you.

You can sign up for our dedicated e-newsletter for health professionals, which includes program updates, research insights, and referral tools. Click here to subscribe.

• Speaking opportunities:
  Our Be Well Talks and other speaker series feature highly respected Oncologists, Researchers and leaders in the cancer and health industry. These sessions also serve as professional development opportunities.
• Formal partnerships:
  Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation has a number of formal partnerships with national cancer and health organizations. And our affiliate organizations work closely with their corresponding regional and provincial health serving organizations.
• Member of advisory boards and associations:
  A trusted partner in the cancer care world, Wellspring is a member of key advisory boards and associations, including the Ontario Health Communities of Practice, the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, the Cancer Stakeholder Alliance, Cancer Care Ontario, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, and the Canadian Cancer Survivorship Research Consortium.
• Health expert involvement:
  Health experts contribute to our Board and Program Committees.
• National conferences:
  Wellspring has made several educational presentations at national conferences at the invitation of national associations.
• Research partner:
  Wellspring partners with researchers, providing letters of support and program collaboration. We also engage with students and researchers, such as those at the University of Toronto, to ensure we are using the most current evidence in support of our programs and services..
• Recognized model:
  Wellspring’s model has been recognized by Health Canada as an outstanding example of organizational excellence in community-based health care.