Wellspring Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of support services, programs, and resources for individuals and families living with cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of understanding, shared experiences, and emotional support to empower those affected by cancer to improve their quality of life and well-being. Since our establishment in 2007, we have been committed to fostering a nurturing environment that promotes healing, resilience, and hope. Through over 70 evidence-informed programs, Wellspring offers support for these various needs in its three centers in Alberta, an online house for virtual programs, and growing a presence and programming in rural communities. Through this work, Wellspring ensures that no one has to face cancer alone.

Wellspring’s evidence-informed programs and supportive services are offered free of charge, without referral, and without appointments to all individuals living with cancer, their families and caregivers. Programs are offered in person, via phone, and online, so any adult living with cancer, their caregivers and families, can access vital information, meaningful support and effective coping strategies at any point in their cancer journey. As a result, the mental, emotional, social, physical, intellectual and spiritual health support Wellspring offers to Albertans and their communities not only benefits patients, caregivers and extended family members, but also it saves money, time and effort for our healthcare system.

Wellspring’s mission is to provide a warm and welcoming community with a comprehensive range of support, resources and programs so that any person living with cancer and those who care for them can improve their quality of life. Wellspring’s vision is no one has to face cancer alone. At Wellspring, we serve individuals living with cancer – those diagnosed, caregivers & kids – throughout Alberta.

The Need

Cancer affects thousands of Albertans each year, with over 23,000 new cases projected for 2024, and an anticipated increase of 44% by 2040. Studies continue to show that those living with a cancer diagnosis, as well; as those who care for them, face significant challenges across the various components of well-being (physical, social, emotional, etc) (Alberta Health Services, 2022; CPAC 2019(a); CPAC; 2019(b); Fitch et al., 2019; Fitch et al., 2021).  These needs remain unmet due to the strain and finite resources of health systems.

Wellspring works to address these identified needs by providing a rich assortment of in-person, online and over-the-phone programs and services, so that anyone living with cancer, and the people who care about them, can improve the quality of their lives, regardless of where they live in Alberta.

All of Wellspring’s programs are offered at no cost to anyone who walks through our physical and online doors; equitable, inclusive, and available to anyone no matter their personal socioeconomic circumstances; available to anyone living with cancer – those diagnosed, their caregivers and kids; and offered under the following six pillars:

·        Exercise and Movement – Activity can be an important part of a cancer treatment plan, improving both physical and mental health. These health restoring programs assist in recovering from the various physical impacts of cancer.

·        Self-Development and Educational – Receiving the right support starts with information and education. Resources, strategies, and tools are provided to help individuals live well through health challenges.

·        Symptom Management – Cancer and cancer treatment can bring a variety of symptoms, from brain fog to general fatigue to pain. These programs assist in managing symptoms to live better with cancer.

·        Therapeutic Arts – Creative expression can foster healing, improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and support social development. Expression through visual arts, writing, music, and more is encouraged.

·        Finance and 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 assistance in overcoming challenges in the context of day-today issues.

·        Individual and Group Support – Many people living with cancer find it important to have a safe and confidential place to share personal feelings and concerns with others in similar situations. Individual and/or group support tailored to specific needs is available here.

Wellspring also has programs specifically designed for:

·        Kids in families in which a significant adult has cancer

·        Young Adults (18 – 39ish)

·        Adults living with a cancer that may never go away

·        Men

·        Caregivers

·        Indigenous peoples

·        And we are working on creating more diverse and inclusive programming

Thank you for considering Wellspring.