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By Curtis Galbraith
Community

Wellspring Alberta hopes to launch in-person cancer support program in Grande Prairie this fall

Feb 2, 2025 | 6:00 AM

A charity that offers support to people living with cancer hopes to expand its in-person programs to Grande Prairie after a recent funding announcement from the provincial government.

The province says the $1.5 million over 15 months for Wellspring Alberta is to provide what the province calls in a news release “essential care for cancer patients, families and care givers.”

Wellspring’s outreach manager Rebecca Perkins says her organization has already been working in Grande Prairie for several years and have heard about the need for in-person programs.

“At Wellspring, we are excited to be making these dreams come true and listening to the need of our community.”

Perkins says they hope to launch this in the fall.

“This program that we’ll be hoping to launch will be a group support. All of our programs at Wellspring are evidence-informed and run by paid professionals who are experts in their field.”

Perkins say they will be looking to hire at least two local experts to act as what Wellspring calls program leaders.

She adds the program will give people what she calls “a safe, warm welcoming space.”

“For people to come together to share their journey, meet other people who are walking a similar path in life and also be supported by one of our expert program leaders who can provide some additional information on support services that are available or strategies and techniques to support them on their journey with cancer.”

Perkins says referrals from health care professionals are not needed. She says the first program will be open to any adults “living with any type of cancer and any stage.”

She adds there are also online and peer support programs available.

Perkins says Wellspring currently offers 70 free programs to anyone facing cancer. She says their mission to make sure no one has to face cancer alone.

She adds they have some work to do by the fall launch.

“We look forward to working with the local Grande Prairie community about what it is that they want and need locally and what this program may look and feel like.

Perkins adds Wellspring is also recruiting what they call Community Connector Volunteers to act as what she calls “our eyes and ears on the ground” and can make sure this program meets local needs.

She says those needs can include travel requirements and differences, higher costs or limited local services, depending on the community.

by Curtis Galbraith