By helping and supporting just one person you have the opportunity to make a difference, and even start a ripple effect to unlock countless opportunities to make a difference.

Everyone needs support at some time

Support and understanding is never more important than when a major life incident occurs. Illness, death or diagnosis of a terminal disease draws people together to support each other. Providing or sharing some hope, and simply knowing others care, can be of great comfort.

Family and friends are part of your support network

Not only have I supported friends through illnesses, but also my own father, who was diagnosed with leukaemia and told he likely had eighteen months to live. It was a terrible shock, but miraculously, he survived a further ten years, which allowed him to meet both my children.

My mother had to take on her own role of partner care when my stepfather was diagnosed with lung cancer within five years of their marriage. His illness took a heavy toll on my mother and our family supported them through endless visits to the doctors, hospitals and chemotherapy, as well as coping with the fatigue and difficult mood swings.

I will never forget our wedding day. The phone rang at 7am and my distressed mother told me she doubted they would make it to the wedding as my stepfather was so ill. Friends immediately jumped into action and put a plan in motion that enabled them to both make it to the service and then, whilst my mother attended the reception, my stepfather was cared for by others. It certainly added extra stress to our special day, but our supportive network came into play. Three weeks later my stepfather passed away.

Communities work together to extend support

When we are faced with immensely challenging situations, particularly as a result of illness, our immediate support network is crucial. But there is also comfort in knowing there are large communities of people working to support those in need beyond their own networks.

Conversations and connections provide support

Real conversations can open doors, help you to access quality connections, gain knowledge and make informed decisions. Conversations can inspire you and transform lives by amplifying support that is there for the asking. Perhaps you would like to subscribe to my podcast, “Conversations and Connections to Amplify and Inspire” and have an opportunity to uncover support you or others in your network might need?

Support comes in many forms and ripples through our networks

You may have heard my podcast where I spoke with Anna Ronald, a YTM member, about her probono work with Cancer Support Angels, which was prompted by her own experiences and I have now released a podcast where I spoke with Jodi Hollis , the Founding Director of Cancer Support Angels.

In 2013 whilst on her own cancer journey she found a real lack of physical support out the support groups for cancer patients. The only support groups were online.

Jodi identified that many cancer patients, lacked financial support. Some thing that is greatly needed. Years later she started to volunteer at Relay or Life and met some amazing people, and the type of support she was really looking for.

In 2019, she expressed her desire to start Cancer Support Angels with a number of people from her network and the vote was unanimous.

Throughout our conversation you will hear tips on:

what you can do to support your friends or family who may face a cancer challenges
how to connect with Cancer Support Angels, who are represented across Australia
how you can contribute, give and help to this inspiring, 2 year old, non profit organization

and, the difference you could make to this organisation, within our community.

I hope you can help them, and those you know who need support.

As Jodi says “No one fights alone”

Promotion and partnering in their cause

Through my business, Your Time Matters, we have always sought to support business owners personally and professionally, and charities and associations with direct donations, professional and business mentoring, connection with likeminded others and the promotion of and partnering in their cause.

Believing anything is possible when you invest time in building a supportive network, we have recently launched the YTM Ripple Grant program. Our first recipient was Just Peoples and our second grant goes to Cancer Support Angels . You can read more about how we give back HERE .

Hello, I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters and podcast host of Conversations and connections to amplify and inspire. I am a connection strategist, conversation starter and network catalyst who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections for those seeking strategic allies to make a positive impact through connection, contribution and community.

I draw on my diverse career portfolio, experience, skills and knowledge to encourage, support and empower business owners, professionals, teams and individuals to create true connection through authentic conversations that build real relationships, boost confidence and generate business and opportunities.

For the past 9 years, I have provided opportunity for more than 3000 business owners to engage in real life and online events through her business, Your Time Matters. BOOK a discovery call TODAY, and let’s have a conversation to see how I can help you find, start or improve your business networking.

More than 5 examples of how you can benefit from a supportive network