Fashion to Compassion: Celebrating our Thriving Circular Economy

At Cancer Wellness Support, our two op shops provide stunning pieces at a remarkably low cost, all while generating vital funds for our purpose.

Located at Katoomba and Penrith, our op shops are a thriving circular economy, providing affordable goods to our local community and reducing waste by giving quality items a second life. 

At the heart of this is that $35 spent in one of our op shops provides one complementary therapy session for a person living with cancer. 

Did you know?

  • our two op shops collectively raise over $2 million annually, generating the vital funds needed for the therapies and programs we provide?
  • beyond 1:1 therapy sessions, we also provide specialised programs and group sessions such as Living and Thriving Mindfully, Group Acupuncture, and Write, Talk, Meditate
  • a person living with cancer and their family can utilise our services for as long as they remain as members, which means we can offer personalised support across the entire cancer care spectrum – from diagnosis, treatment and living with cancer, in an affordable way.

 

Op Shops Unite: Affordability, Accessibility and Sustainability

Our recent strategic brand review provided revealing insights into our brand – including a recognition of the quality of goods at affordable prices.

Coupled with the recent accreditation from Charitable Recycling Australia, we had an opportunity to share the activity of our Op Shop stores to our purpose of supporting individuals and their families living with cancer – we’ve been working on a fresh look and we’ve introduced a sub-brand for our op shops, along with an impactful activation strategy and campaign.

 


“We offer high-quality, affordable and sustainable choices while creating a community of support where everyone benefits – from those seeking affordable items to our local community and the environment we all share.”

Gail Searle, Retail Manager

Join our #UpliftingThrifting Movement

By purchasing enduring pieces from Cancer Wellness Support’s op shops, you actively contribute to our circular economy to benefit our people, our community and our environment. Your contribution will help support local people living with cancer and their families.

When was the latest time that you visited one of our op shops? Come and dabble in delightful discoveries and uncover style secrets at our Katoomba or Penrith op shops.

While you’re there, help us spread the word about your fashionable finds on your socials using our hashtag #UpliftingThrifting.

Donating With Purpose: How to Make a Quality Op Shop Donation

At Cancer Wellness Support, our mantra of “if it’s not friend-worthy, it’s not CWS-worthy” reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards in everything we do, especially in our op shops at Katoomba and Penrith. 

When you donate to us, you’re not just giving away unwanted items. You’re also contributing to our mission of supporting individuals and families affected by cancer. We always welcome donations of clean and high quality men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, homewares, toys, books, and furniture. 

Examples of items that we love to receive include:

By ensuring that your donations are in good condition, you’re helping us raise vital funds for our comprehensive program of individual complementary therapies, workshops, counselling, events and retreats.

On the flip side, every dollar spent on waste removal from poor quality donations takes away from our ability to provide essential support services. 

For every industrial bin load, it’s costing us $3,000 per month – which could be used for 85 individual therapies (based on the standard rate of $35). 

Examples of poor quality items include:

By donating with care, you’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cancer and their families. 

Together, let’s continue to make a positive impact.

Donate to our op shops

Why Op Shopping is Good for our Planet

Op shopping isn’t just about snagging a good deal – it’s also a powerful way to help protect our planet. 

Fast fashion, the overwhelmingly predominant way that most Australians purchase clothing, continues to take a dangerous toll on our environment. 

In Australia, popular retailers like Cotton On, H&M, and Zara offer trendy clothing at low prices by prioritising speed and affordability over sustainability.

Did you know that Australia ranks as the second-largest consumer of textiles per person in the world, second only to the United States?

This is because: 

  • On average, each Australian buys 27kg of new clothing and textiles annually
  • The average Australian also disposes 23kg annually into landfill 
  • Collectively, this adds up to a staggering 6,000kg of clothing and textile waste being dumped into landfills every 10 minutes. 

So, what’s the solution for where affordability meets sustainability? Your local op shop.

When you make a purchase from an op shop, you’re extending the lifespan of clothing and other items. Thrifting encourages mindful consumption, fostering creativity and individual expression through unique finds while reducing the demand for new goods. 

 

What does this look like at Cancer Wellness Support?

Within our two op shops at Katoomba and Penrith, a genuine circular economy exists to benefit our people, our community and our environment.

We repurpose and keep items out of landfill, provide stunning pieces at an incredibly low cost for our local community, and generate the finances that we need.

We reinvest all of our profits into supporting local people living with cancer and their families, with $35 spent in our op shops being the equivalent of one complementary therapy session.

Our approach is not just about selling goods but fostering a community of support where everyone benefits – from those seeking affordable items to our local community and the environment we all share.

By purchasing enduring pieces and fostering their longevity, you too can actively combat the wasteful cycle of fast fashion and steer clear of contributing to landfills.

Come and visit our op shops

Pam Purcell – Volunteer

For the past 15 years, Pam Purcell has woven warmth and comfort in the form of blankets into the heart of our community through her incredible dedication as a volunteer at Cancer Wellness Support. 

Pam’s unique touch lies in the meticulous assembly of these blankets. With a team of dedicated knitters, she pieces together individual squares to create these cozy masterpieces. The magic often begins at her doorstep, as generous supplies appear, thanks  to the collective effort behind each blanket. 

The sense of reward that accompanies Pam’s efforts is immeasurable. She shares how her dining table has been transformed into a workspace for blankets, with her husband often happily opting for dinner on the couch.

Pam’s dedication is driven by the cause she serves. Cancer Wellness Support directs all proceeds from the sale of these blankets towards subsidised treatments for local people living with cancer and their families. 

Pam loves the unpredictability of how each blanket will look upon completion. When asked about a particularly memorable piece, she recalls a crocheted Afghan quilt. This intricate masterpiece arrived with a touch of mystery – a 1980s edition of Woman’s Day hinting at the intentions of its creator. The original creator’s perfectionism was evident in the intricate work, even at the rug’s back. Pam discovered an abandoned section, and with care, she mended the flaw and added her finishing touches, giving the blanket new life. The result was beyond expectation, with the rug finding a new home within a mere few hours, fetching the highest selling price yet and garnering the interest of multiple eager buyers.

Walking into the Cancer Wellness Support op shops is an experience of pure joy for Pam, radiating warmth and friendliness. While visitors initially seek affordable quality clothing and treasures, they find so much more as the genuine smiles and connections shared by staff and volunteers create an atmosphere of genuine camaraderie. 

At the heart of Pam’s journey is the profound impact that Cancer Wellness Support has on the community. The organisation’s extraordinary work has kept her steadfast in her volunteer role. 

For Pam, creating a blanket is more than crafting. The knowledge that her efforts contribute to such a vital cause fuels her dedication, making every stitch a gesture of love and support.

Natasha Trotter – Therapist

For Natasha Trotter, Cancer Wellness Support is more than just a workplace – it’s a place where her expertise is paired with a profound desire to make a meaningful difference. 

As a physiotherapist specialising in lymphoedema, Natasha feels a unique difference at Cancer Wellness Support. Unlike traditional workplaces driven by financial gains or caseloads, it’s fueled by an authentic passion for community and genuine support. This resonates deeply with everyone who walks through its doors, creating an atmosphere that feels like home.

Natasha feels incredibly grateful for the world class equipment and resources that she has access to, particularly the SOZO machine, an asset she recognises she would likely not have access to in private practice. This best practice equipment enables Natasha to refine her skills and stay at the forefront of her field. 

The SOZO machine offers non-invasive diagnostics, a game-changer for clients. It’s also a source of motivation and progress tracking, and seeing the relief on her clients’ faces when they realise their treatments are on track is immensely satisfying. 

During the COVID lockdowns, Natasha’s reflections prompted her to broaden her perspective. Her experience in the local community revealed a stark reality – the scarcity of services and support for people living with cancer. She chose to specialise further in lymphoedema, recognising the dire need for accessible support in this area. This decision ultimately led her to Cancer Wellness Support.

Within Cancer Wellness Support’s welcoming embrace, Natasha also engages in holistic education and support. She guides clients through understanding their bodies, empowering them with actionable steps for positive change. Managing lymphoedema often involves addressing profound emotional challenges, particularly related to body image and self-confidence. Natasha offers a safe space for individuals to navigate these feelings, supported by individual counselling and group sessions that focus on grief, loss and trauma.

Natasha marvels at the transformative journey clients experience at Cancer Wellness Support. While many initially seek help for physical concerns, they quickly discover a holistic approach that encompasses social connection and support groups. She feels that they truly cater to people at every stage of their journey, from diagnosis to active treatment to palliative care and beyond.

Talking about the community spirit that thrives at Cancer Wellness Support, Natasha highlights the members’ dedication to giving back. With generosity in their hearts, they contribute quality items to the op shops, helping to subsidise treatments and programs for others in need. This ethos of reciprocity creates a self-sustaining circle, reflecting the collective determination to support each other.

Natasha knows that at the heart of this is Robyn Yates OAM’s visionary idea that has thrived for nearly two decades. Built on evidence-based research and bolstered by its resilience during the challenges of COVID, Cancer Wellness Support is a testament to the power of collective compassion and support. 

Natasha loves coming to Cancer Wellness Support as a daily reminder that a community of caring individuals can truly make a difference.

Wendy and James – Client and Carer

Many people do not realise that Cancer Wellness Support also extends its therapies and programs to the loved ones and carers of a person living with cancer. Wendy (member/client) and James (member/carer) have experienced this incredible support firsthand.

James, who was already acquainted with our founder Robyn Yates OAM, was the bridge that led Wendy to Cancer Wellness Support. 

On Wendy’s first visit, Robyn presented her with a giant box of wigs. Wendy found one that resonated with her – a blonde angled bob reminiscent of her childhood hair colour. The wig not only provided her with a new look but also a renewed sense of confidence. Robyn gifted Wendy the wig, a stand and shampoo, setting the tone for the compassionate care that would follow.

Robyn then asked Wendy about her favourite colours, and returned with a handmade patchwork quilt featuring the warm vibrant hues of reds and purples that Wendy loved. This rug became Wendy’s companion during her chilly chemotherapy sessions, offering both physical and emotional warmth. 

Wendy’s initial whirlwind of treatments left little room for anything else. The hospital environment was overwhelming, and Wendy couldn’t fully comprehend the gravity of her situation. As her treatment plan grew longer, she grappled with the uncertainty of her stage 2 diagnosis.

It was at this point that Wendy and James decided to further explore the offerings at Cancer Wellness Support. Group discussions, gentle exercise, dietary sessions and a supportive community became their lifeline. Here, they felt like they could share their fears and hopes.

Wendy emphasises that the impact of cancer extends far beyond the individual person. Life changes, and many things will never be the same. Her energy-draining medication post-treatment was challenging, and having James as her unwavering support was a blessing. 

Experiencing full-body lymphoedema, Wendy found relief in lymphoedema massage – a therapy often unaffordable and hard to get into elsewhere. James, who was managing his own serious health issues while supporting Wendy, found solace in counselling provided by Cancer Wellness Support. To this day, Wendy and James both enjoy attending gentle yoga sessions together, nurturing not only their bodies but also their minds.

Wendy and James have witnessed the mental challenges of many others living with cancer. They appreciate the whole person approach at Cancer Wellness Support spanning counselling, art therapy, meditation or whatever is needed at that point in time. 

Wendy and James reciprocate the love they’ve received from Cancer Wellness Support by providing musical entertainment and donating to fundraisers and op shops. Wendy, a theatre organist, and James, who plays percussion, ukulele and provides vocals, bring their talents to brighten the lives of others.

For Wendy, Cancer Wellness Support is a sanctuary where she feels safe and heard. The attentiveness of the staff, therapists and volunteers makes her feel less alone, and she values the shared experiences of the community. 

For James, Cancer Wellness Support has been a lifeline, nurturing his mental wellbeing which is often overlooked during caregiving.

Wendy and James strongly believe in the power of connection and have created lifelong friends at Cancer Wellness Support. They emphasise the importance of taking it one day at a time and surrounding yourself with people who will stand by your side through every step of the journey.

Alexia Lennon – Client

In life, we often stumble upon unexpected signs that lead us down unforeseen paths. For Alexia Lennon, her journey with Cancer Wellness Support began over a decade ago when a breast lump diagnosis coincided with her relocation to the Blue Mountains. 

While driving up the picturesque hill to Katoomba, Alexia noticed a sign that piqued her curiosity – Cancer Wellness Support. 

In her initial visit, Alexia met Robyn Yates OAM, who selflessly shared her knowledge of the available evidence-based therapies and gifted Alexia a unique coffee-coloured satin bra with black lace. To this day, Alexia wears this bra to major Cancer Wellness Support events as a reminder of Robyn’s incredible support from the very beginning.

For the first few years of her journey, while following her prescribed treatment plan, Alexia participated in activities like gentle yoga to stay connected with the Cancer Wellness Support community. 

However, five years later, her world was rocked once more. During her final annual check up, she received devastating news: her cancer had returned, and this time a mastectomy was necessary. Alexia was overwhelmed, but she knew she wasn’t alone.

Around the same time, the Robyn Yates Centre in Leura opened its doors, offering a wealth of resources, qualified therapists and a supportive environment. With a fear of what the future may hold, Alexia joined a meditation class to help calm her anxiety and intrusive thoughts. 

She was also invited to attend a health and wellness weekend in North Katoomba. There, she learned from experts in dietary advice, exercise and self-care, forging connections with others who had walked similar paths.

After falling ill with double pneumonia, she struggled to regain her appetite and lost significant weight. Through a Cancer Wellness Support therapist, she was introduced to the Mindful Foodies program. Here, she learned about the science of food and received recipes that were edible for someone with no appetite. 

After her mastectomy, Alexia faced discomfort and limited mobility due to the scar across her chest. Viv Maitland, the Client Services Manager and a caring presence at Cancer Wellness Support, suggested a massage with Michael Bryant, a specialist in lymphoedema. Although Alexia did not have lymphoedema, Michael’s “magic hands” worked wonders in relieving her discomfort, a treatment she continues to receive to this day.

However, the most profound support Alexia has found is within the Cancer Wellness Support community itself. During a particularly vulnerable moment, she broke down in tears after a gentle yoga session. The arms just came out to catch her, and she realised that without the warmth and connection of Cancer Wellness Support, her life would be vastly different.

Inspired by her own journey, she has introduced five friends to Cancer Wellness Support, forming a dedicated table at fundraising events.

Living in the Blue Mountains, Alexia recognises the importance of having access to local support. For people living with cancer, the prospect of travelling to Sydney for weekly appointments can be daunting. Cancer Wellness Support bridges this gap, making vital services accessible to the community.

Alexia extends her ongoing gratitude to Robyn Yates OAM, whose vision and dedication continues to enrich the lives of many. She emphasises the importance of the centre as a place where individuals can connect and share their experiences, all while realising they are not alone.

In Alexia’s eyes, cancer is just a word, not a sentence. Her experience with Cancer Wellness Support has been nothing short of marvellous, and she wishes it was available nationwide and internationally. She envisions a world where all of her friends and family can benefit from the support and compassion that has defined her own remarkable journey.

Empowering Accessibility and Affordability for Lymphoedema Care

Did you know that lymphoedema treatments are our most requested, averaging 140 sessions monthly across both centres?

Lymphoedema is the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. It is an incurable condition which becomes lifelong once it develops, resulting in long-term trauma effects for many.

After a lymphatic massage, clients often describe experiencing a significant sense of wellbeing. Treatment follows a gradual and monitored approach, with therapists continuously assessing and overseeing the process, and clients wearing compression garments and bandages as part of their care. 

Our SOZO machine offers non-invasive diagnostics and is a source of motivation and progress tracking, that is part of our program.

Our comprehensive approach for our lymphoedema clients incorporates the benefits of the evidence-based therapies of

Any physical activity is encouraged, and  can help reduce the severity of lymphoedema. Exercise may need to be modified if certain movements make symptoms worse, and it is always recommended you speak with your therapist as to what is the best approach for you and your circumstances.

In private practice, the costs can typically range from $120 to $200 per session. With accessibility and affordability underpinning our core principles, our clients pay between $35 and $45 through our collaborative approach – a combination of community fundraising, donations and sponsorships; our qualified therapists offering their specialist services at a significant reduced rate, and our clients’ annual membership.

Working with our specialised lymphoedema therapists, you will begin to understand your body, and feel empowered with actionable steps for positive change.

Explore our lymphoedema management program

Explore our Penrith Wellness Cabin

What do you do when you’ve outgrown your current space, yet client and carer needs continue to grow? Build a wellness cabin!

At our Penrith Wellness Centre, our commitment to providing comprehensive support for our diverse client needs often felt like solving a complex puzzle. From talk therapy to massage therapy, our Client Services team found themselves in a constant juggle, rearranging spaces and equipment to accommodate everyone effectively.

Recognising the urgent need for dedicated space for client and carer intake sessions, we needed to consider the challenges posed by our limited physical area. Expanding the centre wasn’t possible, so we needed to find a different solution. Through securing the landlord’s approval, we embarked on an innovative approach: constructing a wellness cabin nestled in our lush backyard space.

The introduction of this charming wooden cabin has marked a significant turning point for us. It exudes warmth and homeliness, instantly creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Quickly becoming our primary talk therapy space, the cabin offers a sanctuary for counselling sessions, ensuring privacy and confidentiality for our clients.

Beyond its role in therapy sessions, the cabin has also become a welcoming haven for new clients engaging with our intake nurse, providing a personal and secure environment for their initial interactions with Cancer Wellness Support.

Our cabin has brought so much joy and increased functionality to our Penrith Wellness Centre, supporting us to improve our services and expand our nurturing environment. Have you seen it yet? 

Come and explore our Penrith Wellness Cabin

Honouring and Celebrating Our Remarkable Volunteers

At the heart of our team, there’s a vibrant community of volunteers. Without their dedication and support, we simply couldn’t provide our current range of services to local people who are living with cancer.

Held annually in May, National Volunteers Week is all about highlighting the important role of volunteers in our community and inviting people not currently volunteering to give it a go. 

At Cancer Wellness Support, we celebrated by inviting everyone to our awards ceremony and hosting a delightful volunteer high tea. 

 

As a special treat, we organised a trip to Katoomba, where volunteers all posed for a photo in front of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. The event was met with enthusiastic appreciation, providing a wonderful gesture to honour our volunteers’ significant contributions.

Community led and supported, the reciprocal nature of the work that we do means that we’ve become part of the fabric of the communities that we support in the Blue Mountains and Nepean-Hawkesbury.

Ultimately, it’s all about the power of the people and the community support that we receive.

Learn more about volunteering with us