Network seeks over €5 million allocation in upcoming Budget Annual core Government funding is required for community cancer support centres to meet the growing demand for their services, an Oireachtas committee has heard. Members of the Network of Community Cancer Support Centres (CCSCs) told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health that the charities are serving more people than ever before. With 26 member organisations managing facilities located in 22 counties, the network of centres provide a range of free services including psychological support, survivorship programmes, complementary therapies, exercise and relaxation classes, support groups, financial advice and drop-in services.
In 2023 around 12,500 people accessed services provided by the centres, an increase of 1,500, or 16 per cent, on the previous year. Up to 97,500 attended individual and group services last year, a 20 per cent on 2022 figures. “Over the past 30 plus years, a significant number of Community Cancer Support Centres have been established on a voluntary basis by local communities in recognition of the wider needs of those impacted by cancer,” said Gemma Fort, manager of Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, and member of the network.
“Service provision has been driven by the needs of many cancer patients for on-going psychosocial support both during active medical treatment and for a significant period after active treatment is completed. “More people are surviving with, and living be.
