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Peer Support

What is Cancer Peer Support?

At New England Cancer Specialists, our Cancer Peer Support program connects patients with others who have experienced cancer. This program provides emotional support, understanding, and shared experiences, helping you navigate your cancer journey.

How Does Cancer Peer Support Work?

In the Cancer Peer Support program, patients are matched with trained patient volunteers who have gone through similar cancer experiences. These peers can offer:

  • Emotional Support: Someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.
  • Shared Experiences: Learning from someone who has faced similar challenges.
  • Practical Advice: Tips on managing treatments and daily life with cancer.
  • Encouragement: Boosting your spirits and helping you stay positive.

Why is Peer Support Important?

Talking to someone who has been through a similar experience can make you feel less alone. They can offer insights and advice that only someone who has faced cancer can provide. This support can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

Who Can Join the Cancer Peer Support Program?

The Cancer Peer Support program is open to all cancer patients at New England Cancer Specialists. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or a survivor, you can benefit from the support and shared experiences of a peer.

How Can I Get Started with Peer Support?

To join the Cancer Peer Support program, simply ask any member of your oncology team for more information or complete the application at the bottom of this page to either request a mentor or volunteer as a mentor. You can also call our office directly to enroll.

What Are the Benefits of Peer Support?

How Can Peer Support Improve My Cancer Journey?

  • Reduced Anxiety: Talking to someone who understands can help you feel calmer and more in control.
  • Increased Confidence: Knowing you are not alone and learning from others’ experiences can boost your confidence.
  • Better Coping Skills: Peers can share strategies for dealing with treatments and side effects.
  • Emotional Healing: Sharing your feelings and hearing others’ stories can be very healing.

Testimonial

“Having someone to talk to who truly understands what I’m going through has made a huge difference in my life. It gives me hope and strength every day.”

  • Jane, Cancer Survivor

Request Peer Support or Volunteer to Mentor Other Patients

Peer Recruiting
I would like to:
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name
Address
Address
Phone Type
How did you learn about this service?
Are you still in treatment?
Languages Spoken

Mentorship

Have you ever applied to or been employed by NECS, either as staff or a volunteer?

Condition of Volunteer Service

You will be required to complete a background check. If you have a prior conviction: you may answer “No” only if your criminal record consists of one or more the following: (a) a sealed record on file with the Commission of Probation (b) Your case is a case where you were determined to be delinquent or to be a Child In Need of Services (CHINS), which did not result in a complaint transferred to Superior Court for criminal prosecution or (c) your crimes were misdemeanors and they occurred five or more years ago.

Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?
I certify that the statements made in this application are true, correct, and have been provided voluntarily. I understand that I will not be paid for my services as a peer mentor. I further understand that I may be asked to discontinue my volunteer services at any time for any reason. I agree to abide by the guidelines of the practice to respect patient confidentiality and uphold the traditions and standards of New England Cancer Specialists. This includes abiding by the Smoke-Free Workplace policy, Agreement on Professional Behavior, and Substance Abuse and Intervention Agreement. I understand that as a Volunteer, I will be expected to demonstrate a readiness to help others, maintain health boundaries and assist patients through their cancer journey. I understand that my involvement in the peer mentor program will be contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal and Department of Health & Human Services background check. The results of these reports will be treated as highly confidential.

Peer Support Request

Please indicate your preference in mentor qualities in order of importance with 1 being the most important.

Thank you for getting in touch! Our staff looks forward to contacting you to help connect you with a mentor/peer. You will hear back from us soon.

I certify that the statements made in this application are true, correct, and have been given voluntarily. By signing below, I give consent to New England Cancer Specialists, to store any information I have provided on this application and all information will be maintained confidential and available only to those directly involved with this program.

I agree/give consent for New England Cancer Specialists to store the information I have provided on this application.*

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Patient Referrals

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Patient Financial Advocacy

Patient Advocates

If you are experiencing financial distress due to treatment costs or the inability to work, we want you to know that we offer financial advocates who are here to help. Our advocates can assist you in finding resources and support through various third-party organizations, ensuring you have access to the financial assistance you need during this challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance and support.