‘Home away from home’ opens in Kilnamona

A NEW drop-in centre in Kilnamona offering free confidential advice and support for Clare cancer sufferers was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Health, John Moloney last Saturday.

Sláinte an Chláir at Tir Mhuire, Kilnamona, promises to be a “home away from home” for people who need help in trying to cope with cancer and will operate under the professional guidance of Cancer Care West. 
Director of Psychology and Support Services of Cancer Care West, Dr Helen Greally and a nurse, have pledged to visit the centre once a month. Dr Greally and her staff have already provided training for counsellors for the centre, while volunteers will also assist in providing refreshments and support to those who drop in or make an appointment.
Cancer sufferers will also be provided with the option of speaking to a local cancer survivor on how they coped with the disease. Family members, relatives and friends are also welcome to attend the centre.
Minister John Moloney said the services provided by the centre are crucial. “This centre will be an essential aid for those recuperating from treatment.  Community initiatives such as this are an integral part of the health service,” he added.
Dr Greally described the opening as a significant initiative for Clare people. “Emotional support is vital to cancer patients and their families on their journey throughout the illness. This centre will provide valuable supports for everyone affected by a cancer diagnosis,” she said.
Richard Flaherty, CEO of Cancer Care West, said he was delighted to see centres such as this being established in local areas. “It will be a great source of information and support for the people of County Clare.  Cancer Care West will do all that we can to support the volunteers Sláinte an Chláir and we look forward to working closely with them in the coming months and years ahead,” he added.
A spokeswoman for the centre told The Clare Champion that everyone involved in the centre wanted to make it a “home from home” for cancer sufferers. She also outlined plans to host a variety of courses including cooking demonstrations, hair and beauty treatments and craft classes.
She explained that psychological services would be provided free through Cancer Care West and every effort would be made to keep running costs as low as possible.
Cancer sufferers can talk to a counsellor in a private room and will be provided with books, videos, DVDs and CDs, access to the internet and details of other support organisations.
The opening hours are from 10.30am to 1pm on Monday; 7 to 9pm on Wednesday and 10.30 to 1pm on Friday. For more information call 1850 211630 or 087 6912396; email admin@clarecancersupport.com or log on to www.clarecancersupport.com.