What is WellAhead?
WellAhead is a holistic wellness program, co – designed with consumers, to support and empower those living with and beyond cancer.
Activities include yoga, meditation, volunteer programs, Northern Health Community Choir and classes for seniors from Whittlesea U3A.
As the name suggests, it is a wellness program designed to encourage positive living, in spite of the challenges of living with and beyond cancer.
WellAhead aligns with Northern Health’s Trusted Care Commitment of ‘Staying Well’. This involves the delivery of services outside the conventional hospital setting, with a greater focus on health and wellbeing in the community.
Welcome to the Wellness Lounge
Discover Tranquillity
Step into the serene comfort of the Wellness Lounge, nestled in Ward 5 at Northern Hospital Epping. This peaceful space is exclusively for those living with and beyond cancer. Allow the world to fade away as you reconnect with your body and mind.
Equipped with massage chairs and comfy sofas, you can either join in the activities below, or enjoy the changing seasons in the garden outside.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qigong: (11 am – 12 pm) |
Active 4 Cancer Kumar Chandrakumar (11 am – 12 pm) |
|||
| Greeting card making (U3A) (11 am – 2 pm) Front foyer, Northern Hospital Epping |
Programs on offer
Card games and card making
UU3A stands for University of the Third Age. In the last week of November (27 November) and the first week of December (4 December) join Kathryn from Whittlesea U3A from 11 am to 2 pm, in a Christmas card making workshop in the front foyer of Northern Hospital Epping. All are welcome.
Qigong
Join Belinda D’Souza for Qigong every Wednesday from 11 am to 12 pm at the Wellness Lounge.
Qigong blends breathing and movement to harmonize mind, body, and spirit. This ancient Chinese practice aims to enhance energy flow, relaxation, and overall wellness. Research suggests it can help alleviate cancer-related fatigue, boost physical activity, and improve sleep.
Belinda has over 10 years of experience in martial arts, including Tai Chi and Qigong. She also holds a black belt in Taekwondo and is studying Chinese Medicine at RMIT.
Active 4 Cancer
This class offers an exercise routine to promote a healthy lifestyle. It focuses on basic body movements like walking, turning, and twisting. Participants follow exercises tailored to their abilities, and chairs are available for extra support.
Sign up for Kumar Chandrakumar’s class every Friday starting at 11 am.
Volunteer Program
Volunteers assist in a variety of roles including administrative support within our health service, fundraising initiatives and visiting patients. Knitting and crocheting is another volunteer activity, both to create gifts for patients and for fundraising. Our volunteers also assist patients in woodworking activities at the Old Blokes Shed at Bundoora Centre.
For more information or queries, please email volunteer@nh.org.au.
Northern Health Community Choir
Research suggests that singing results in a range of positive physical, mental health, emotional, and wellbeing outcomes and leads to greater cognitive reserves as we age.
The Northern Health Community Choir is an inclusive forum, that welcomes membership not only from our staff but also members of the local community.
Currently, Northern Health Community Choir rehearses at Northern Health, Epping, every Wednesday at lunchtime (12.30 until 1.30) and Friday morning (8.30 until 9.30). However, in 2024, additional times and venues may be added if there is sufficient interest.
To register your interest or to find out more, contact Alison Davies at Alison.Davies@nh.org.au
For more information on the WellAhead program, please email Mike Masilamani, Project Officer, Wellbeing Program, Cancer Services: mike.masilamani@nh.org.au
