Cancer support house in Cork provides a safe haven

THREE words, ‘you have cancer,’ catapult people into a world of uncertainty, worry, and sadness.



See http://www.corkcancersupport.ie/
THE core of Cork ARC’s support is provided through drop-in and telephone services where people can call without an appointment and chat with a trained volunteer in a warm, welcoming environment.
ARC House is open to people with cancer and those who care for them at their centres in Cork city, Bantry, West Cork, and in Cork city’s northside.
Due to the demand in the community, the West Cork Centre is thriving and ARC House, Youghal, servicing East Cork and West Waterford, is due to open in late May.
Visitors will be able to simply drop in to the service on Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm to meet with the support team. Whether patients or family members, everyone is welcome to use the facility to find the support they need during their cancer journey. Counselling and massage is also available there.
Complementary therapies and one-to- one counselling are available in the drop–in centres too.
Closed group courses include mindfulness, stress management and relaxation, also run.
For people living with an advanced or secondary cancer, Cork ARC have developed a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction,(MBSR), programme, where participants learn a range of mindfulness tools that can be used in daily life to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
Bereavement Support Evenings are also organised and are information workshops open to those who feel they would like to learn and understand more about the grieving process. The evenings include a mix of information and discussion that may support people in their loss.
Weekly drop in classes include: yoga, pilates, relaxation and visualisation, stress management, mindfulness and relaxation courses.
Their series of information workshops includes: Cancer and fatigue, Cancer and nutrition, Positive appearance and Citizens Advice Service.
ARC stands for Aftercare, Research and Counselling. The centre is open to adults diagnosed with cancer, as wall as parents who have children with cancer and adult family members and friends.
Cork ARC Cancer Support House is located at 5, O’Donovan Rossa Rd. Cork and is open Monday-Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Friday: 9.30am to 3.00pm.
All services are free of charge and are available by appointment. They include:
Counselling, Dedicated Breast Care Service, Therapeutic Massage & Reflexology, Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi.
They also provide information on General Welfare/ Benefit Entitlements, run Support Groups and Information Workshops. Individual Support is available for one-to–one appointment.
Support Groups are facilitated in a safe space where people who are finished their cancer treatment can share experiences and learn tools to help them move on with their lives.
Phone: 021-4276688 or Email:ellen@corkcancersupport.ie ARC House, Knocknaheeny, Harbour View, is open Thursdays 10am to 12.30pm. Phone: 021-430 0135 ARC House Bantry, The Bungalow, Gories, is open Tuesday 10am to 4pm and Thursday 10am-4pm. Phone: 027-53891 or email:westcork@cancersupport.ie