Wicklow Cancer Support Receives Funding for Crucial Counselling Services
Greystones Cancer Support has received €16,500 from the Irish Cancer Society to continue providing free counselling services throughout 2025. This funding will enable the organization to offer vital emotional support to cancer patients, survivors, their families, and those bereaved by cancer in the Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle, and Newtownmountkennedy areas.
Expanding Access to Counselling in Wicklow
In 2025, the partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and Greystones Cancer Support facilitated 331 free counselling sessions across Wicklow. The Irish Cancer Society’s nationwide counselling service provided almost 13,000 sessions countrywide through cancer support centres. These sessions are designed to assist individuals process and cope with a cancer diagnosis and its impact.
Comprehensive Support Services Offered
Beyond free counselling, Greystones Cancer Support provides a range of services including transport to hospital appointments, a qualified exercise coach, support groups, self-care services, and individual complementary therapies and wellbeing classes. The organization has been supporting individuals receiving a cancer diagnosis for over 30 years.
The Importance of Emotional Support
Anne Ivory, Chairperson of Greystones Cancer Support, emphasized the importance of their services, stating, “Counselling is a large part of what we do and we are grateful to receive partial funding from the Irish Cancer Society as demand for our services increases each year. Cancer patients come to us for help at a highly vulnerable time in their lives and it is very rewarding to be able to offer support at this time.”
Mary Quinn, Head of Service Operations at the Irish Cancer Society, highlighted the widespread impact of cancer, noting, “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. On top of the physical impact of cancer treatment, we know the emotional and psychological toll cancer can take on patients and their loved ones during and beyond their diagnosis.”
How to Support Greystones Cancer Support and the Irish Cancer Society
The Irish Cancer Society relies on public donations to continue providing these crucial services. Every €60 raised funds a free counselling session for a patient or their loved one. Donations can be made directly to Greystones Cancer Support at greystonescancersupport.com or to the Irish Cancer Society at cancer.ie.
Additional Resources in Wicklow
Several organizations offer cancer support services in Wicklow:
- Wicklow Cancer Support: Provides emotional and practical assistance to cancer patients in various Wicklow locations.
- Irish Cancer Society – Wicklow: Offers support including transport and social outings.
- Greystones Cancer Support: Guidance, encouragement, and support for patients and their families.