BCNA’s Online Network – Public Holiday Update
Please note that BCNA’s Online Network will not be moderated on the public holiday, Monday 26 January 2026, as the BCNA Helpline will be closed. During this time, please ensure you are familiar with the following support services: BCNA’s Website Information & Resources Hub - Explore articles, stories and podcasts to help navigate breast cancer 24/7 Support Services Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; available throughout the day) Although moderation will be paused, the Online Network will remain open and active. You are warmly encouraged to continue asking questions, sharing your stories, and reaching out for support within the community whenever you need it. If you would like a callback from the Helpline, please submit a request via: https://www.bcna.org.au/helpline-self-referral-form/🎄Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to all!
Hi everyone - as we head into the festive season break tomorrow, I just wanted to send a little note of care and kindness to everyone in our online community. Some people may join our Online Network in coming weeks as they are diagnosed for the first time over the Christmas weeks, when support resources are limited. We know how important you are to each other (and to us), and how irreplacable this community is when feelings are especially overwhelming, challenging or isolating. ❤️ If you can, please remain an active, open, safe and supportive ear for each other, if that is something you feel able and comfortable to offer this season. For those who need an extra little bit of help, check out the below resources. Our Helpline will open again on January 5th, and are available 9am-5pm AEDT Monday-Friday. 👉 BCNA's 🎄Hours & Support Options 👉Resources During the Festive Season 👉Personal message from our CEO - Kirsten Pilatti If you need immediate support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (open 24/7). Take things at your own pace, be gentle with yourself, and know this space is still here for you. Wishing you all a happy and kind festive season - see you in the New Year!🎄 ✈ Flying these holidays and wear a breast prosthesis or compression bra? Here’s what you need to know before you travel: If you feel comfortable, let airport staff know you’re wearing a breast prosthesis or compression bra before screening. Carrying a doctor’s letter can help. Security may arrange additional imaging or a pat-down. If this happens, you have the right to be treated respectfully. You can request a private screening and an officer of the same gender. Your prosthesis or bra should never be touched or removed. BCNA remains committed to improving airport screening experiences, visit bcna.org.au 💕 ✨ Other Resources Available: Lifeline - 13 11 14 (open 24/7) Beyond Blue - 1300 224 436 (open 24/7) If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 1300 YARN is also available throughout the holidays. If you need to talk to someone about your breast cancer, you can call Cancer Council on 13 11 20, with reduced hours as follows; Wednesday December 24 – 9am-5pm Thursday December 25 – Closed Friday December 26 – Closed Monday December 29 – 12-4pm Tuesday December 30 – 12-4pm Wednesday December 31 – 12-4pm Thursday January 1 – Closed Friday January 2 – 9am-5pm (normal hours resume)BCNA's 🎄Hours & Support Options
We know how important the role we play in your breast cancer journey is, and you know how important you are to us. BCNA will be taking a short break over Christmas, please ensure you are familiar with the following support services available during this time. 📞 BCNA's Helpline’s (1800 500 258) holiday period open times: The Helpline will be closed 5pm, 23 December and re-open on 5 January 2026 at 9am. If you need to talk to someone about a breast cancer diagnosis, you can call Cancer Council on 13 11 20, with reduced hours as follows; Wednesday December 24 – 9am-5pm Thursday December 25 – Closed Friday December 26 – Closed Monday December 29 – 12-4pm Tuesday December 30 – 12-4pm Wednesday December 31 – 12-4pm Thursday January 1 – Closed Friday January 2 – 9am-5pm (normal hours resume) These other services are also available: ✨ Lifeline - 13 11 14 (open 24/7) ✨ Beyond Blue - 1300 224 436 (open 24/7) ✨ If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 1300 YARN is also available throughout the holidays. 🧑🤝🧑Most importantly, BCNA's Online Network will remain an available and active community throughout this time however will not be moderated by BCNA staff from December 23rd to January 5th. Please do continue to ask questions, share your stories, and reach out for support here whenever you need it. We also encourage you to offer support on each other’s posts and comments whenever you can - your kindness and connection makes a world of difference, especially during the festive season and for new people that will join the network or receive their breast cancer diagnosis for the first time during these weeks. From the bottom of our hearts here at BCNA, thank you for all you do for each other ❤️
