Our Solution

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Wellspring Cancer Support devotes itself exclusively to the unique non-medical needs cancer presents. At Wellspring, we provide a caring community in-person and online, so anyone living with cancer, their caregiver and family members can access vital information, meaningful support and effective coping strategies.

We are an essential partner in the cancer care community.

See our formal partnerships

The Right Program to Meet Your Needs

Wellspring runs evidence-based programs that reduce pain and other side effects while helping people find the financial and community resources they need. Wellspring is Canada’s leader in evidence-based cancer support programs, which are provided free of charge and proven to:

Ease debilitating physical symptoms
Reduce emotional distress for patients and their children and other family members
Lower the chances that cancer will return
Improve access to income replacement programs
Help people return to work when they are ready
Help some people live longer than medically predicted

We provide over 50 evidence-informed programs and services that address the non-medical needs of cancer patients, their caregivers and families. These programs fall into six main pillar areas:

Self-Development & Educational

Receiving the right support often starts with information and education. Here you will learn about resources, strategies and tools to help you live well with cancer. Programs include: Healing Journey; Nourish; Be Well Talks; Resource Centres.

Symptom Management

Cancer and cancer treatment can bring a variety of symptoms, from brain fog to general fatigue to pain. These programs help you manage your symptoms so you can live better with cancer. Programs include: Brain Fog; Cancer Related Fatigue; Breathing Wellness; Meditation; Relaxation and Visualization; Reiki or Therapeutic Touch.

Therapeutic Arts

Creative expression can foster healing, improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and support social development. Express yourself through visual arts, writing, music and more. Programs include: Art Workshop; Writing Workshop; Music Workshop

Financial & Workplace Strategies

Living with cancer brings many practical, real-life challenges, such as financial struggles, or returning to work following an extended leave of absence. These programs provide you with help overcoming challenges in the context of day-to-day issues. Programs include: Money Matters; Returning to Work; Wellness at Work

Individual & Group Support

Many individuals living with cancer find it important to find a safe and confidential place to share personal feelings and concerns with others in similar situations. Here you can receive individual and/or group support that is specific to your needs. Programs include: Peer Support; Counselling; Caregivers Connect; Children’s and Parent’s Program; Bereavement Support Group; Living Beyond Cancer Support Group; Gay Men’s Cancer Support Group; and other support groups.

Exercise & Movement

Activity can be an important part of a cancer treatment plan, improving both physical and mental health. These health restoring programs help you recover from the various physical impacts of cancer. Programs include: Exercise and Educate; EXCEL Group Exercise; Chi Life; Yoga; and various outdoor activities

Our Approach

Wellspring provides a community of support for those living with cancer, driven by the needs of our members:

Volunteer Supported

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Wellspring. We have hundreds of volunteers that support all areas of the organization, providing:

Operational support
Peer support
Program support
Support with fundraising events
Governance through our Board and Committees
Support as ambassadors
Their professional expertise in service of our mission

50+ Evidence-Informed Programs

Wellspring offers more than 50 diverse and evidence-informed programs and services, delivered by paid professionals. Programs fall within 6 pillars, and are available 5-6 days per week to those living with cancer.

Our programs and services are member-driven and co-created.

Free & without referral

We are 100% donor funded

Wellspring seeks to breakdown potential barriers by ensuring all of our programs and services are available free of charge and without referral.

While we don’t require referrals, health care professionals are the #1 way new members hear about us.

We are 100% donor funded.

“The Healing Journey helped me learn to talk to my body in a different way, and that helped with my pain. Everything started to improve. I am so grateful that Wellspring offers this program online.”
Karla Stephens Tolstoy, Wellspring member

Find a Wellspring near you and take a look at the wide range of programs available at each centre.

View our Welcome to Wellspring Guide