Press Release
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Press Release |
Posted September 8th, 2006
Consider this: Irish women rank second highest in cancer deaths and Irish men rank seventh highest in the European Union. One answer to this is the Bray Cancer Support & Information centre which offers practical non-medical help and emotional support to people with cancer and their families and friends - numbering over 4,000 annually. As an endorsement of the Centre's work, the President - Mrs Mary McAleese, officially opened our newest premises on Saturday 30th of May 1998.
An illustration of its success, it is felt that up to 8,000 people would avail of the use of the Bray Cancer Centre services if reources were available. In addition it is dealing with requests to set up similar Centres throughout Ireland.
The Centre seeks to address the needs of its clients in a variety of very practical and caring ways. Because many of the volunteers have been through experiences of the illness they have a special empathy for those who are battling with cancer. All services are offered free of charge and they include: A Drop-In Support & Information Centre and a telephone support back-up service, counselling, a comprehensive library of up-to-date information on cancer and related services, home or in hospital, weekly support groups, free classes are run in stress management & relaxation, advice on lifestyle and nutrition, limited financial assistance and respite care to members.
The Centre was established in 1990 in response to a need for services for people suffering from cancer in the Bray area. The initiative to set up the group came from Veronica O'Leary who herself had come through her own difficulties in coping with cancer. She was convinced of the need for a self-help group to provide support and information to cancer patients thereby lessening their isolation. The Centre no need to secure affordable premises and staff funding to accomodate the growing demand for its services.
By Tommy Byrne