Transport initiative for Hope Centre
A NEW transport initiative for patients undergoing cancer treatment is in the pipeline for service users of The Hope Centre in Enniscorthy.
The idea for the service arose following requests from local service users who are required to travel to Dublin and elsewhere for treatment.
‘It is a huge issue for people,’ said Hope Centre manager Mick Kavanagh. ‘If you can imagine a young mum with a few kids in school who may ask family and friends to transport her for chemotherapy, that could be for several weeks. Then she may have to attend radiotherapy every day for about seven weeks. There is a massive financial issue there.’
According to Mick, they are not yet sure when the new service will be in place. However, it will be discussed at upcoming volunteer training days in the centre, along with the centres various other services.
According to Mick, they are always on the lookout for volunteers who can help in the shop, administration and other areas, including new services.
‘We have a massive group of volunteers who are invaluable to the service,’ he said. ‘We are always looking for good people and a couple of times a year, we place ads to see who we can attract.’
As the ongoing Console controversy continues, many charities have voiced their concerns about how this could tarnish the reputation of many other charities. However, according to Mick, the revelations have not affect support for The Hope Centre, either among volunteers or members of the public.
This was evident at a recent garden tea party fundraiser at the centre, complete with music and a teddy bears picnic for kids.