Individual Counselling for Children

Difficulties frequently arise for children when a family member is diagnosed with cancer. We offer individual support to these children in terms of one-to-one counselling, especially for older children who are able to explore these issues by verbalising their concerns.

Therapeutic Play

Cancer Care West offers therapeutic play skills to complement the support offered to children within our service, following a diagnosis of cancer or a diagnosis within the family.  Play therapy uses a variety of play and creative art therapies, including toys, art, therapeutic storytelling, puppets, clay and playdough, and creative visualisation to help children to find a way of speaking about how they are feeling.

With the support of the therapist, therapeutic play provides a safe space, medium and language whereby a child can identify and communicate what they have difficulty articulating, helping the child to identify emotions and explore anxieties, and learn skills to help them cope.

Support for Parents

Parents sometimes seek support in terms of advice about how to manage their children at the time of, and following diagnosis.  Our team of psycho-oncologists have developed expertise in this area and are available to offer guidelines regarding child management and other concerns that may arise.

CUBS Programme

CUBS is an online structured bereavement support programme developed for children aged between 9 and 12 years whose parent has died from cancer. Through play and art, children will learn about grief responses and learn how to cope with feelings.

CLIMB Programme

Cancer Care West also offer the CLIMB programme.  CLIMB is a programme for children aged five to twelve years who are living with the reality of a parent being diagnosed with cancer.  This offers children in this age group the opportunity to come together to explore in a safe way the experience of a parent living with cancer.

Exercise

This class involves gentle exercise movements, easily adaptable to everyday life. The aim is to improve confidence in exercise, increase balance, and more flexibility of movement. There is significant evidence that exercise has a beneficial effect for people living with cancer.

Relaxation

Regular chance to unwind and relax in a calm and peaceful atmosphere aimed at promoting physical and mental relaxation.

Yoga

Yoga is a holistic practice which brings harmony to all aspects of our being. Relaxation, through simple movements and gentle breathing, is an integral part of the class. The practice is accessible to everyone, and all are made to feel welcome.

Moving forward after cancer – transitions course

The time after treatment can be a difficult adjustment period for many cancer patients. This four week course offers the opportunity to reflect and explore what the cancer diagnosis means, the changes that it may bring about and the adjustments you may need to make in your personal and work life. It is practical and task focused and is suitable for those who have finished treatment.

Brain Tumour Support Group

A monthly meeting that offers an opportunity to chat and share stories about living with a brain tumour.

Psycho-Oncology & Counselling Service

Our psychologists provide professional expert intervention to deal with the distress caused by a cancer diagnosis.   These specialised techniques include Cognitive Behaviour and Emotion Focused Therapy and a range of other evidence based interventions.

Psycho-Oncology Nursing Support

Specialised one-to-one information and support is available to help you cope with living with cancer and its treatment, especially side-effects. This service is provided by oncology nurses with many years’ experience in the area.

Information and Advice

Specialised one-to-one information and support is available to help you cope with living with cancer and its treatment, especially side-effects. This service is provided by oncology nurses with many years’ experience in the area.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialised type of massage for lymphoedema which helps to reduce swelling. The aim is to redirect fluid away from swollen areas towards healthy lymphatics.

Benefits Advice

Our benefits advisor is here to give you advice about Social Welfare and other entitlements and to help with form filling and application processes.