A vital community program providing handmade care packages to breast cancer patients in Perth's northern suburbs has been guaranteed to continue for the next two years, thanks to renewed funding secured by a local women's group.
Handmade Comfort for the Recovery Journey
The Joondalup Women's Shed has pledged ongoing support for the initiative, which sees its members create practical and comforting items for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at Joondalup Health Campus. The program, run in partnership with the hospital's dedicated McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Sam Williams, was recently extended through a significant donation presented in December.
"This means the patients are going to be catered for the whole of 2026 and into 2027," Ms Williams confirmed. She emphasised the profound value of the support, stating it allows her team to continue the essential aftercare required by the community members they serve, which includes both women and men.
A Labour of Love and Precision
Since partnering with Nurse Williams last year, the skilled members of the Women's Shed have been busy crafting specialised recovery aids. Joondalup Women's Shed spokeswoman Jan Shean provided a detailed tally of their compassionate output: "So far we've made 126 bags, 50 cushions and 39 beanies."
These are not ordinary items. The bags are designed to hold surgical drains post-operation, the cushions are tailored for recovery comfort, and the beanies offer warmth and dignity. Operating from the same Winton Road facility as the local Men's Shed, the women's group utilises shared resources to engage in sewing, woodworking, gardening, and various crafts, channelling those skills directly into community care.
Unique Care Close to Home
Sam Williams believes this personalised touch offers something special to patients in the northern suburbs. "We can give the patients in Joondalup and surrounding areas something different that makes them feel special," she said. This initiative complements the holistic care model at Joondalup Health Campus, where a multi-disciplinary team, including Williams and oncoplastic surgeons, treats patients.
Joondalup Health Campus CEO Renaud Mazy highlighted the importance of continuity and localised care, especially given the region's rapid growth. "With the population growing so rapidly in Perth's north, it's important people feel they can receive the care they need while remaining close to home," Mr Mazy stated. He explained that their model ensures patients see the same clinical team throughout their treatment journey.
For the members of the Joondalup Women's Shed, the motivation is simple. Jan Shean expressed the group's collective sentiment, affirming they are more than happy to offer support in any way they can, turning their communal activities into a powerful force for local good and patient wellbeing.
