Thrive & Survive

Cancer Thriving & Surviving Programme is a self-management programme developed by Standford University. This programme offers you a sense of confidence and a chance to learn self-management skills when moving on from your cancer treatment. One class per week for a period of 6 weeks. Each class is 2.5 hours. This programme is led by health professionals and cancer survivors who have taken special training.

 

Techniques to deal with problems such as:

  • Getting better sleep
  • Nutrition
  • Managing frustration, fatigue, or pain
  • Setting priorities
  • Making decisions about treatment
  • Relationships
  • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
  • Regaining and maintaining physical flexibility and endurance

Empower: Menopause & Cancer Survivorship Programme

This is an eight week in-person survivorship group programme for those impacted by chemically and surgically induced menopause as a result of cancer treatments. Participants watch pre-recorded modules by expert contributors who address the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms generally experienced. Participants also spend time with other with similar experiences for support. It is a place for people to share their experiences, feelings and knowledge, with the confidence that everything said is confidential.

Topics discussed:

  • Anxiety
  • Brain fog
  • Diet
  • Exercise/physical activity
  • Explaining the physical and psychological symptoms
  • How to manage symptoms such as fatigue
  • Losses associated with menopause and cancer, and sexual intimacy
  • Mood
  • Nutrition
  • Sleep disturbance

Women’s Group

This is a confidential support group where women come together to share experiences, emotions, and challenges in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. They can express their concerns, questions and experiences while living with a cancer diagnosis. This group is facilitated by a female counsellor.

Early Menopause Group

A programme which provides information to women experiencing an early menopause because of their cancer treatment. Among other things, the programme includes information on diet, exercise, dealing with symptoms and sexuality. It is also an opportunity for women to get together and share in their knowledge and experience.

Men’s Group 

This group helps your understanding of your diagnosis, providing information on dealing with the side effects of treatment such as continence issues and altered sexual function. It is a practical group with information on strategies to improve your wellbeing. It is also an opportunity to share in the knowledge and experience of other men.

Carer’s Group

A group which provides coping strategies for the carers of people diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Stoma Support Group

Stoma support groups provide invaluable emotional, practical, and social support for people living with a stoma, their families, and carers, offering advice from people with shared experiences. Connecting with others who have gone through similar surgeries to share experiences and reduce feelings of isolation. Information on stoma care, managing daily life, and new products.

Climb Programme: Help Children to Understand Cancer

This is a professionally led programme for children aged between 5-12 which runs over 6 weeks and uses creative tools such as drama, arts and play to help children cope with the impact of a close family member’s cancer diagnosis. If you would like more information on the resources available to a child or young adult who has been affected by cancer, please call: 057-8681492 or email: info@cuislecancersupport.ie.

Bereavement Group – Bereavement Support Group

This is a 6-week support group for people who have been bereaved by a cancer diagnosis. (Funded by Laois Hospice)

Information Talks

Cancer Related Fatigue

Cancer related fatigue is a distressing, persistent, and a sense of physical, emotional, or cognitive exhaustion.  Unlike normal tiredness, it is not relieved by rest and can last for months or years after treatment. This talk informs cancer patients on how to balance activity with rest, light exercise, addressing underlying causes like anaemia or depression, and nutritional support. Information talk will explain the different patterns of fatigue and the principles of energy management.

Nutritional Talk for Cancer Patients

Good nutrition is vital for cancer patients this talk focuses on explaining the importance of a balanced diet that’s needed.  It explains the variety of foods that provide the correct amount of nutrients your body needs to grow and work well. It is important to remember that keeping well-nourished is vital for recovery, can help you feel better, and your body stays strong and yields many physical and mental benefits.

Relationships & Intimacy

This information talk gives people an understanding of the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a relationship. For many people, intimate relationships suffer or change during and after cancer treatments. Dealing with cancer treatments, busy schedules and even financial stress can put pressure on couples and cause them to grow apart

Work & Cancer

This information talk gives you the strategies and skills to help manage everyday symptoms which can impact your working life.

Welfare & Advice

This talk provides specialised advice on managing the unexpected costs of cancer – such as travel, medication,  social welfare entitlements, medical card applications, advice on employment rights and mortgage/loan issues.

For more information on any of these groups or programmes 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.