Can Assist is the largest cancer support network in rural and remote NSW, with more than fifty branches. Each branch is made up of members and volunteers who raise funds to support locals affected by cancer. All money raised local stays local.
Our network raises awareness of inequities facing country people. Our locally based volunteers collaborate with health professionals to understand these challenges, ensuring you have access to cancer treatment and care.
“Our role is to give assistance, take the pressure off, so the patient and family can concentrate on the battle with cancer and not worry about the finances.
Can Assist is an outstanding charity, they are needed and make a big difference to their communities.”
Ann, Can Assist, West Wyalong
“I consider Can Assist an essential service. Without them, I would not be exaggerating to say that some people in my health district would either not afford treatment or at least not access it in a timely manner.”
Allied Health Worker, Western NSW LHD
“By nature of their postcode, rural and regional cancer patients are dealing with a long standing inequity in our health system” Vicki Meyer, Chair
Can Assist’s cancer support network of over 50 branches reaches across country NSW. Our branch model has been sustained since we commenced in 1955 and remains relevant because:
Our Sydney office advocates for equity wherever needed and supports the branch network. It oversees strategic planning and provides administrative services. Where there are gaps in our branch network, the Sydney office also offers financial assistance to country NSW families where possible.
Operated by Can Assist, Lilier Lodge is an accommodation facility in Wagga Wagga for cancer patients travelling to Wagga Wagga for treatment.
“We retain our grassroots focus: where all branches are initiated, funded and operated by the local community. This is key to our ongoing proliferation and sustainability across the State.” Emma Phillips – CEO
All our branches are run by volunteers
The Branch Office Bearers co-ordinate the functions of the local branch and its members and ensure that the branch actions meet the philosophy and objectives of Can Assist. Branches conduct regular meetings throughout the year and elect their Office Bearers annually at their Annual Branch Meeting. Each branch elects a President, Treasurer and Secretary. Other roles may be considered in order to share the workload across the group of volunteers.
All branches are supported by the Sydney office.
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our grass roots organisation. Each Can Assist branch is initiated, funded and operated by local volunteers who know their community and understand their needs. As a group we provide key financial assistance to thousands of patients across country NSW who are struggling to meet the costs of a cancer diagnosis.
“I’ve worked in cancer support from 1982 and have seen what patients go through. I have seen the need for financial assistance. To give patients some freedom from financial worries while they go through treatment is profound and the positive benefits are exponential.
It feels good to help people and know you are making a difference.” Gen, Can Assist – Bathurst, President and member
The Can Assist model is unique.
Can Assist branches are funded by community fundraising events, local donations and corporate sponsorships. All of our branches works tirelessly to raise funds for their community. All funds raised local stay local, ensuring a high patient impact.
The Sydney office charges branches no fee for overseeing the accounting, insurance, governance and administrative aspects of the business. Sydney office is funded through a combination of investment returns, corporate sponsorship, donations and their own fundraising events.
“Our ‘raise local stays local funding model’ is part of an overall strategy – ensuring efficiencies and forging closer ties between head office and the branch network.“
Vicki Meyer, Chair
At 33 years old, Bianca, mum of two children under 5, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She made multiple trips to Melbourne at 600kms return for chemotherapy and surgery. “After a full recovery, I now look back at this time and wonder how on earth we managed …it really highlighted the need to set up our own Can Assist branch here which, along with a group of friends, we did in 2017. It has been such an honour to serve my community in this way.”
