Arklow Cancer Support still open
While many local businesses and groups have taken the decision to shut their doors due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, a local service continues to offer support to members of the community facing a cancer diagnosis.
Arklow Cancer Support took the decision to close its doors to the public on Friday last, but its valuable work continues online and over the telephone.
‘We closed on Friday because many of our clients are extremely vulnerable,’ said Mary O’Brien Director of Services at Arklow Cancer Support, ‘this may be a particularly difficult time for anyone who is newly diagnosed with cancer. The message is we are still working behind closed doors.’
While the St Mary’s Road premises are closed to the public, the service continues to offer information and counselling over the phone.
The one-to-one counselling service will be available by phone or by videolink, where possible. The volunteer driver scheme is also still operating with drivers following HSE guidelines. All other therapies offered by Arklow Cancer Support have been suspended.
Arklow Cancer Support is also using social media to share tips, ideas and advice to encourage positive mental health for those with a cancer diagnosis.
To contact Arklow Cancer Support, call 0402 23590 or 085 1100066. Alternatively, email arklowcancersupport@gmail.com
Separately, the Irish Cancer Society called off all Daffodil Day street collections and events scheduled for later this month.
‘The Irish Cancer Society has taken the decision today to cancel all Daffodil Day street collections and events that were scheduled for March 27’ Averil Power, CEO said on Tuesday, March 10.
‘We have made this decision to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, volunteers and supporters.’
The event is the biggest fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society and takes place each year in March. Funds raised go to support cancer patients and their loved ones and to fund cancer research. The cancellation will leave the charity with a significant funding gap. ‘We also want to focus all our energies on providing cancer patients and their families with the information, advice and support they need at this time, Ms Power concluded.