Classes
At the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre we offer a wide range of classes to support people affected by cancer. Our services are delivered free of charged and are financed principally by fundraising and grants. Please contact 057 8681492 or email: info@cuislecancersupport.ie.
Classes may help you to:
- Cope with some of your cancer symptoms and /or side effects of treatment.
- They may help you feel better and improve your quality of life.
- They may help you feel less stressed and anxious and sleep better.
Art
Expressing oneself through art can help people to explore various thoughts and emotions. You do not need to be able to draw or paint, it is not about creating a masterpiece but taking part in an enjoyable group activity and who knows you may discover a hidden talent!
Creative Arts Therapy
Creative arts therapy is the use of creative and expressive process of art making to improve and enhance the psychological and social well-being of individuals of all ages and health conditions.
These therapies provide a safe, supportive environment to enable and encourage the person to express her/himself in whatever creative way possible, encouraging self-expression and development supported by the therapeutic relationship.
Breathwork Workshop
Breathwork is the intentional, conscious manipulation of breathing patterns to improve mental, emotional, and physical health. It moves beyond automatic breathing to actively control the depth, pace, and rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, often used to reduce stress, improve energy, or induce deep relaxation.
Rest & Restore
Rest & Restore classes are specialised, low-intensity sessions designed to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and alleviate physical/emotional tension.
Whether you feel depleted energetically, emotionally, or physically this gentle practice will help you restore balance through self-care as you reconnect with yourself, reduce stress, and nurture your mental health. This healing practice can be a powerful tool for stress relief, improved sleep, and overall enhanced quality of life.
Mindfulness
This programme provides techniques that focus on the emotions, breathing, thoughts and sensations enabling you to live more fully in the now. There is research to suggest that mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help people with cancer to cope with some of the side effects such as pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and nausea. Sessions are available at the Cuisle centre or online so that you may practice in your own time or when needs be.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is an accessible form of exercise that adapts traditional yoga poses to be performed while seated in a chair or using it for support. It is designed for individuals with limited mobility, balance issues, or those looking to reduce pain, stress, and stiffness from long periods of sitting. The practice focuses on gentle stretching, strengthening, and breathing to improve flexibility and mental well-being.
Walking
This is a group walking programme that meet once a week at the Cuisle Centre. The aim is to gradually increase fitness through distance and pace, so every level is welcome.
Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life for cancer survivors and is hugely beneficial both physically and mentally.
Aqua Aerobics
Aqua aerobics is highly beneficial for lymphedema management, acting as a natural, low-impact compression treatment. It offers a total body workout, reducing limb volume and promoting muscle strength. Water lifts body weight, decreasing stress on joints and muscles, which allows for easier movement of limbs that may feel heavy or painful. The combination of water resistance and muscle movement acts as a, massaging, pump that boosts lymphatic drainage and improves circulation.
Exercise
Research suggests that not only does a higher level of physical activity reduce risk and recurrence of many cancers such as colon, breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers. Improving fitness can also improve fatigue, immunity, body composition as well as physical function and wellbeing in people affected by cancer. Maintaining muscle strength and bone density is also particularly important as we get older and for people who are on hormone therapy for hormone sensitive cancers. The benefits for improved outcomes in progression and survival are so significant that many cancer centres are now even prescribing exercise as part of treatment plans. The Cuisle Cancer Support centre offer several fitness activities such as a walking group, yoga, pilates and we will soon open a gym. We also work with local fitness providers in Laois and Kildare to offer group programmes. For more information on any of our fitness programmes, please contact: 057-8681492 or email: info@cuislecancersupport.ie.
Look Good, Feel Better
Look Good Feel Better uses the power of make-up to help women who have been through cancer diagnosis and treatment feel a little better. The workshops are run at various times throughout the year by a dedicated team of volunteer makeup artists.
For more information on any of these classes or if you have not found what you are looking for, please contact: 057-8681492 or email: info@cuislecancersupport.ie. Please let us know if you have any suggestions. Our services are delivered free of charge and are financed principally by the fundraising efforts of volunteers and staff.