Free Cancer Counselling: Irish Cancer Society Funds Wicklow Support
- The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis extends far beyond the physical challenges of treatment.
- Greystones Cancer Support in County Wicklow recently received €16,500 from the Irish Cancer Society to continue offering free counselling services to the community.
- “Cancer patients come to us for help at a very vulnerable time in their lives and it is very rewarding to be able to offer support at this...
The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis extends far beyond the physical challenges of treatment. Recognizing this, organizations across Ireland are working to expand access to crucial mental health support for patients, survivors, their families and those grieving loss. In , over 13,000 counselling sessions were provided nationwide through the Irish Cancer Society’s network of support centers, and ongoing efforts are bolstering these services at the local level.
Greystones Cancer Support in County Wicklow recently received €16,500 from the Irish Cancer Society to continue offering free counselling services to the community. This funding will enable them to maintain a vital resource for individuals and families navigating the complexities of cancer within the catchment areas of Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle, and Newtownmountkennedy. In alone, the partnership facilitated 331 free counselling sessions in Wicklow.
“Cancer patients come to us for help at a very vulnerable time in their lives and it is very rewarding to be able to offer support at this time,” says Anne Ivory, Chairperson of Greystones Cancer Support. The organization has been providing support to those receiving a cancer diagnosis for over 30 years, and counselling represents a significant component of their comprehensive care.
The need for such services is substantial. As Mary Quinn, Head of Service Operations at the Irish Cancer Society, points out, “One in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, and when we do, we deserve the best possible support to help us process and come to terms with our diagnosis.” She emphasizes that the impact of cancer extends beyond the physical, encompassing significant emotional and psychological burdens for both patients and their loved ones, both during and after treatment.
The Irish Cancer Society’s counselling service is available remotely – via phone or online – and in person at participating cancer support centers. This accessibility is a key feature, allowing individuals to receive support in the manner that best suits their needs, and circumstances. The organization funded 14,500 counselling sessions across Ireland in .
Beyond counselling, Greystones Cancer Support offers a wide range of services designed to improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer. These include transport to hospital appointments, access to a qualified exercise coach, support groups, self-care services, and a variety of individual complementary therapies and wellbeing classes. This holistic approach recognizes that cancer care encompasses not only medical treatment but also emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.
The availability of free counselling is particularly important given the financial strain that cancer treatment can impose on individuals and families. The Irish Cancer Society highlights that every €60 raised translates to a free counselling session, underscoring the direct impact of donations on patient care. The organization, along with local groups like Greystones Cancer Support, relies on the generosity of the public to sustain these vital services.
The counselling service is open to all patients who have received a cancer diagnosis, as well as their family members – including siblings of young people with cancer – partners, carers, and friends. This inclusive approach acknowledges that cancer impacts not only the individual diagnosed but also their entire support network.
For those seeking support, donations can be made directly to Greystones Cancer Support at greystonescancersupport.com or to the Irish Cancer Society at cancer.ie. Individuals interested in accessing counselling services through the Irish Cancer Society can contact their Support Line at Freephone 1800 200 700 or reach out to their nearest Daffodil Centre to receive a referral.
The continued investment in and expansion of cancer support services, particularly counselling, represents a critical step in ensuring that individuals facing a cancer diagnosis receive comprehensive and compassionate care. By addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families, these organizations are helping to improve not only their quality of life but also their overall wellbeing throughout the cancer journey.