Every first and third Tuesday of the month about eight people gather at the Gisborne Golf Club.
They are brought together through their individual journies battling cancer, and draw on their own strengths to offer support and advice.
Gisborne Breast Cancer Group founder Lesley Cole wants to spread the word that the group is uplifting and the members walk away feeling good.
“I started the group about a year ago. I had breast cancer four years ago, but there was no breast cancer support group in Gisborne back then,” Ms Cole said.
“I thought it would be good for Gisborne and it has been, the people who attend really enjoy the group.
“The meeting is really quite relaxing, we have coffee and a laugh. We’ve gotten to know one another, and we have new members coming in as well.
“I love the fact that the people in the group help one another, they’re very strong people and they’re very caring.”
Ms Cole said the group provides important mental health support, and she hopes to organise some speakers to come to the meetings soon.
“It’s definitely good for your mental health and it gets you out mixing with other people, so there’s that social side as well. You realise that you’re not the only one who’s been through it.
“I’ve had a few guest speakers as well [and] I’m thinking I might ask a psychologist to give cognitive therapy advice, which can help people cope with the situation.”
If you would like more information you can contact Ms Cole on 0484691226.
