“Reach to Recovery”- peer support for women with breast cancer
In Alma Zois, we know how important it is for a breast cancer patient to meet with another woman that has experienced breast cancer years ago.
For this reason, mental health professionals of Alma Zois train breast cancer survivors, according to the to the standards of the corresponding International “Reach to Recovery” peer support program, so that to offer emotional support and practical assistance to other women currently facing the same challenge in Breast Cancer Clinics at numerous hospitals.
Principles of "Reach to Recovery" - peer support program
A woman that has experienced breast cancer offer their time and personal experience to help and support another woman that faces the same challenge.
- Women that have undergone a breast surgery can receive help and relief in the first difficult days after their surgery, after a conversation with other women that had the same experience years ago and are now living their life normally.
- The program is based on face to face communication of breast cancer patients with a specially trained volunteer that had the same experiencee, years ago.
- The common experience ensures true understanding and the training makes communication meaningful.
- The volunteer, with her presence and attitude, is a positive role model of rehabilitation and quality reactivation of the patient.
How can I get help through “Reach to Recover” program?
Your contact with the volunteer can be made directly and confidentially in your hospital room, at the Association's offices or even by telephone.
In the case of a personal meeting, the volunteer will give you printed information material.
International Reach to Recovery programme in hospitals
Every Tuesday & Thursday, trained volunteers of the Association, i.e. breast cancer survivors, in collaboration with breast clinics of Elena, Iaso and Metropolitan Hospitals, provide emotional support to other women with the same experience.
The surgeons, Directors of the Breast Units at the clinics collaborating with the project are:
- IASO: Grigoris Xepapadakis.
- Elena Venizelou: Panagiotis E. Daskalakis.
- Metropolitan Hospital: Vassilis Venizelos
Program "I am here with you" at the Association's offices
Every 1st Tuesday of the month, 4pm – 5pm, women who are currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer can visit the association’s headquarters (11th Ipeirou Street, 10433, Athens – 2nd floor) and receive emotional support from a trained volunteer who has been through the same experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss practical issues that concern them in relation to the disease and its treatment and to share their personal experiences with women who have had the same treatment in the past.
The meetings take place by appointment at 210 4180006.
Remote Peer Support
If you want to get in touch with a woman who years ago went through what you are currently experiencing, call 210 88 15 444.
The Association’s Mental Health Professionals will try to find for you the volunteer who best fits your profile.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Educational training for new volunteers
By volunteering you can offer emotional support and hope to women with the same experience. Furthermore, you can support Alma Zois’ programs and experience yourself unique moments of essential rewarding.
Find out about the requirements for participation in the training seminar and register your participation from the Social Service of the “Alma Zois” Association by calling at 2108815444.