CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS

This section is a directory of national and local groups, whether attached to a hospital or in the community, which are there to provide you with information and advice, as well as support and practical help. It is not an exhaustive list.

If you know of any others, please supply us details and we will add them.
The directory lists groups and tells you where to find them, what services they offer and how to contact them. For further information, contact your social worker in the hospital, your public health nurse or the Irish Cancer Society Helpline at 1800 200 700

There is a Group Support Programme in the Irish Cancer Society.
This programme aims to provide a service to patients' volunteer groups, to self help and mutual support groups. Services include training of patient volunteers and group facilitators and the provision of professional advice and assistance to groups in the development of their services.

Click on one of these areas :

National Groups | Leinster Groups | Munster Groups | Connaught Groups | Ulster Groups | Scottish Groups

NATIONAL GROUPS

Arc Cancer Support Centre

Aims and Activities:
voluntary organisation supporting people affected by a cancer diagnosis. This support is also extended to family members, friends and health care professionals. Support is offered through complementary therapies, counselling, information and educational and supportive programmes. The centre is staffed with a mix of health care professionals and trained volunteers.

Address:
ARC House,
65 Eccles Street,
Dublin 7
Tel: (01) 830 7333
Fax: (01) 830 7595
email: arc@clubi.ie

Brain Tumour Support Group

Aims and Activities:
To assist brain tumour sufferers and their families with regular support meetings. Investigates and passes on information about helpful services and facilities. Liaises regularly with similar support groups. Has regular contacts with neuro surgeons and doctors for helpful information.

For further information and details on meetings, contact :

Bone Marrow Transplant Support Group

Aims and Activities:
To support and encourage those in this situation as we have all experienced at first hand leukaemias of different types and have had a bone marrow transplant. Support for families of those with leukaemia.

Address:

Tel: (01) 677 842 5 / 677 8416


Please contact the above address for details of meetings.

Web site : http://www.bmtsupport.ie/

Cancer Plus (National Association for Parents of Children with Cancer)

Aims and Activities:
To arrange half-yearly seminars, to enable us to fulfil our aim of providing group support and information. To establish a parents' contact register to provide support at an individual level. This is available through the Irish Cancer Society's helpline. To highlight deficiencies in the provision of services to patients.

Address:

Tel :
Sile Fogarty : (01) 288 5663
Mary McGinty : (01) 451 6879

Meetings: Two seminars per year in Dublin. Eight committee meetings.

Canteen

Aims and Activities:
This is a cancer support group for adolescents who have or have had cancer and for their friends, brothers or sisters. It organises meetings, weekends away and publishes a newsletter. All these activities happen in an informal, friendly atmosphere with plenty of good craic. Organises six meetings annually, three adventure weekends away and other activities.


Address:
Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7
Tel : (01) 872 2012
Fax: (01) 873 5737
also : c/o Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4

Children's Leukemia Research Project

Aims and Activities:

Raises funds for research into childhood leukaemia. Represents parents when requested. Issues a quarterly newsletter.

Address:
40 Clancy Avenue, Finglas, Dublin 11.
Tel : (01) 834 3986

Colostomy and Ileostomy Welfare Support Group

Aims and Activities:
Offering help to colostomy patients regarding pre-operative and post-operative worries and/or problems. There is a Phone-ln once a month. Hospital visits are arranged. Support also for relatives of patients.

Address:
Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.

Tel: Contact (01) 668 1855
Cancer Helpline Freefone 1-800-200-700

Meetings: Please phone Irish Cancer Society for details and venue.

Aims and Activities:
Offers information and education on Lymphoma. Gives practical and emotional support to patients with Hodgkin's Disease and Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma and also to their families and friends. Former patients operate a Freefone (1800 200 700) on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

Address:

Tel: (01) 668 1855
Cancer Helpline Freefone 1-800-200-700 LYMPHOMA
email : info@hug.ie

Meetings:
Regular educational and informal meetings. Please phone Irish Cancer Society for details of meetings and venues.

Aims and Activities:
The purpose of this group is to provide support and encouragement for the patient who has undergone or is about to undergo surgery resulting in a colostomy or an ileostomy. There is a "Freefone" on the third Wednesday of every month or contact may be made at any time through the Irish Cancer Society's Helpline. This service, provided on a one to one basis, is strictly confidential. Visits can be arranged in hospital, at home or perhaps somewhere for a cup of coffee. Support is also available for relatives of patients.

Address:
Curravilla, Greenfield, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

Tel: Contact (01) 628 5968

Meetings : Three meetings per year. Visiting by volunteers. Journals to members every quarter.

Irish Lymphoedema Support Network

Aims and Activities:
To campaign for the provision of treatment in Ireland for sufferers of Lymphoedema, to provide support and information for sufferers and their families, to promote the education of the public on the subject of Lymphoedema and to maintain contact with healthcare professionals working in Lymphoedema management.

Address:
Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.
or Helen Shine, Secretary, 41 Weston Drive, Lucan, Co Dublin
Telephone Contact: Helen Shine (01) - 6282414 [evenings]
Thelma Bradley : (01) - 833 9306 [evenings]
Margaret Dunne :(045) - 435377
Mary Keegan : (045) - 868386

website: http://www.i-lsn.com
email:support@i-lsn.com

Meetings: Twice yearly

Laryngectomy Association of Ireland

Aims and Activities:
To provide support and guidance for the patient who has undergone laryngectomy and for his/her family. Also to collect and co-ordinate information relevant to laryngectomy.

Address:

Tel: Contact (01) 668 1855
Cancer Helpline Freefone 1-800-200-700

Meetings: Regular social and educational meetings. Please phone Irish Cancer Society for details of meetings.

Aims and Activities:
To provide public information and emotional support for men who have had a diagnosis of prostate or testicular cancer.

Address: c/o Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.

Tel: (01) 6681855

Freephone Helpline Tel: 1800 200 700
Meetings: Annual Public Meetings

Aims and Activities:
The programme is designed to provide patients with breast cancer and their families with support and information on breast cancer and its treatment and to assist them to return to normal and productive lives.

Address:

Tel: (01) 668 1855
Cancer Helpline Freefone 1-800-200-700

Meetings: General meetings for Reach to Recovery volunteers four times a year. Please telephone the Irish Cancer Society for details.

Aims and Activities:
To provide a supportive and informative meeting for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients where issues/problems common to the group members can be freely discussed in a mutually supportive atmosphere.

Address:
Highfield Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.

Contact Social Work Department (01) 497 4552

Meetings: Weekly each Wednesday at 11.00 a.m.

LEINSTER GROUPS

Beaumont Hospital Laryngectomy Group

Aims and Activities:
To provide emotional support, information and a safe forum for socialising to those who have undergone laryngectomies.

Address:
Beaumont Hospital
PO Box 1297
Dublin 9
Tel: (01) 837 7755 ext 3940 / 3290

Meetings: Every 6 - 8 weeks from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

Meetings: Once every six weeks from 2.30-4.00pm.

Bray Cancer Support Group

Aims and Activities:

Support service. Social activities, relaxation workshops, drop-in centre, home and hospital visiting, guest speakers.

Address:
Shalom, Oldcourt Park, Bray.

Tel: Contact (01) 286 8467; (01) 286 3320; (01) 286 6966 (24 hour answerphone)

Meetings: Fourth Tuesday at 8.00 p.m. Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. at
Drop-ln Centre,
5 Carlton Terrace, Novara Road, Bray.

C.H.A.T.

Aims and Activities:
General support and discussion for patients, relatives and friends of those with cancer.

Address:
Mater Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7.

Tel: Contact (01 )830 1122

Meetings: St. Vincent's Ward, Mater Hospital. Last Saturday each month at 11.30am.

Aims and Activities:
To lend a listening ear to both patients and their families. To provide professional help, i.e. counsellor, aromatherapist. If required, provision of transport for hospital appointments. To supply equipment, aides etc. not available from the Health Board. Our aim is to help the patient and their families throughout all stages of their illness. Meetings: Weekly

Address:
6-7 Rampart Shopping Centre, Dundalk.
Telephone: (042) 39693

Meetings: Weekly

Greystones Cancer Support Group

Aims and Activities:
Offers support to cancer patients, their families and their friends. Hospital visiting, transport to hospital, nursing equipment, invalid aids, monthly information meetings.

Address:
2 Emily House, Trafalgar Square, Greystones, Co Wicklow

Tel: Contact Mrs. Kathleen Kelleher (01) 287 5327

Meetings: Last Thursday of each month at 8.30 p.m. at the La Touch Hotel, Greystones.

Aims and Activities:
To provide a support network in an educational rather than a health related environment for cancer patients, their families and friends. Activities might include social outings, lectures on complementary medicines or "Tea and Chat" on a monthly basis.

Address: Adult Education Centre, VEC Offices, Abbey Road, Navan.

Tel: Contact Tel: (046) 21680

Meetings: 1st Monday of every month form 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm

Aims and Activities:
To provide support for women who have or have had breast cancer. Support includes listening, talking and teaching. Activities include talks on complementary medicine, health education and advice regarding breast prosthesis and bra fittings. Information also available on treatment types and availability.

Address:
c/o Oncology Nurses, General Hospital, Port Laoise
Tel: 0502 - 21364 ext. 309 / bleep no 81

Meetings: 1st Wednesday of every month

Tel: Contact Mary Reilly, Secretary (042) 39693

Aims and Activities:
Support and information to people with cancer, their family and friends. Tape and book lending library, different speakers on appropriate topics. Social outings. Private counselling.

Address:
3559 Lakeside Park, Newbridge
Telephone Contact: Marie (045) - 434 624 Kevin (087) - 459 196 Angela (045) - 431 755

Meetings: Monthly

MUNSTER GROUPS

Charleville and District Cancer Support Group

Aims and Activities:
To help anyone who has suffered from cancer in the past or is suffering at the moment. The group or members of the group will visit and talk to anyone harmed by cancer at any time.

Address:
Railway Road, Charleville, Co Cork

Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at Convent of Mercy, Charleville at 8pm

Comfort for Cancer Support Group

Aims and Activities:
Our group is a confidential support group for cancer patients of all ages and their family members. Hospital visits are carried out on request. There is a day and night phone link. Social activities arranged throughout the year. Guest speakers also arranged.

Address:
Room 3, St Francis Friary, Liberty Street, Cork.

Meetings: Every Wednesday morning at 10.30 am and second Wednesday of every month at 8.00 pm. Helping cancer patients and their families to accept cancer and live with it in a positive way.

Tel: Contact (021) 272410; (021) 966987; (021) 546290 after 6.00 p.m.

Limerick Cancer Support Group

Aims and Activities:
To offer practical and social help in times of need.

Telephone: 061 - 341751

Address:
Social Service Centre, Henry Street, Limerick.

Tel: Contact (061) 314111

Meetings: Every Wednesday, 11.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m.

Listowel Cancer Support Group

Aims and Activities:
To set up a support group for breast cancer patients and their families.

Address:
Mary O'Connor, Gurtinard, Listowel

Tel: Contact (068) 21741

Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month at 8.30pm at the Listowel Arms Hotel.

Northwest Hospice

Aims and Activities:
Provides palliative care for terminally ill people, such as people with advanced cancer. Offers bereavement support for relatives and friends.

Address:
PO Box 294,
The Mall
Sligo
email: NWHosp@iol.ie
Phone: 071-43317
Fax: 071-43255


Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation

Aims and Activities:
Provides palliative care and bereavement services for those affected.

Address:
Unit 1, The Mall
Main Street,
Knock,
Co. Mayo
Ireland
Tel: ++ 353 94 88666
Fax: ++ 353 94 88666
email: hospice@mayo-ireland.ie

Slanu, Galway

Aims and Activities:
To create a supportive environment where people with a diagnosis of cancer can take time and space to explore "coming to terms with their illness" and "their own inner process and transformation." Holistic attitudes and skills for living as fully as possible in relation to self, others, the environment and the source of life.

Address:

Aims and Activities:
To help needy cancer patients with financial aid when funds are available. To subsidise one bed in the hospital for terminally ill patients. Support group for breast cancer patients principally. Other types of support and help where possible according to need.

Address:
Bon Secours Hospital, Tuam,
Co. Galway.
Tel: Contact (093) 24556

Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at 8.30pm

Donegal Rossnowlagh Cancer Support Group

Aims and Activities:
Support for people living with cancer.

Address:
Donegal Rossnowlagh Support Group, Tawnalarry, Donegal Town
Tel: (073) 21296 / (073) 21737
Meetings: First Wednesday of each month at 8.00pm - 10.00pm at Donegal District Hospital, Donegal Town.

Contact: Mary Greene, Tawnalarry, Donegal Town.
Tel: (073) 21296

Meetings: First Wednesday of each month at 8.00 p.m.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation

The Ulster Cancer Foundation has information on groups available in Northern Ireland.

Address:
42 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast BT9.

Tel: Contact (0801232) 663281

SCOTTISH GROUPS

Access

Aims and Activities:
A two-fold service aiming to help individuals facing a diagniosis of cancer understand their situation. Offers a short information and support programme which runs regularly over the year. Each programme runs for 2 hours per week, for 9 weeks. The session are open to those with cancer and an accompanying family member or friend, and addresses various aspects of living with cancer. Offers relaxation and complementary therapies. There is also a drop-in centre, with a small resource library and Internet access (opening hours as above). Two nurses available for advice and support.

Address:
Ardowan Hospice, 12 Nelson Street, Greenock, PA15 1TS

Co-Ordinator : Ms. Ruth Tipling

Tel: 01475 726830
Fax: 01475888770
Email: ruth.t@ardhosp.co.uk
Hours: 10 am - 4 pm Tues & Thursday 12-7 pm Wed

Breast Cancer Care

Laryngectomy Support Group

Aims and Activities:

Meets every Tuesday between 2 pm. and 4 pm. in Inverclyde Royal Hospital. Close contact with health professionals at Inverclyde Royal.

Contact name: James McGarva

telephone: 01475 726001

Tak Tent Cancer Support Group

Address:
G Block 4th Floor West Infirmary
Glasgow
Strathclyde G 11 6NT
Scotland
Tel: (041) 334 6699
http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/ghi/taktent.htm
http://hosted.aware.easynet.co.uk/contacts/taktent/

Aims and Activities:
Local group of the national cancer support organisation. Group meets last Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm. in the adult training centre. This group covers the Isle of Bute area. For further details and a local contact, telephone TAK head office in Glasgow.

Aims and Activities:
Local group of the national cancer support organisation. Group meets first Friday of the month. This group covers the Argyll area around the Cowal Peninsula. For further details and a local contact, telephone TAK head office in Glasgow.