Free new programmes launched by Dochas - Offaly Cancer Support group

Dochas Offaly Cancer Support Group this week formally launched two new programmes which they will be offering in 2023.

Firstly – Cancer Thriving and Surviving is aimed at cancer survivors and is adapted by Stanford University from their Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme.

This is based on a rehabilitation best practice model and has been positively evaluated internationally and is the main survivorship programme recommended by the National Cancer Control Programme.

This 6 week, 2 ½ per week, programme will commence on 20th April 2023 and is open to anyone who has recently finished treatment and is looking to take back control in their life. It is a self-management programme and includes modules on self-management, well-being, cancer prevention, information on long term consequences of treatment and psycho-social supports. It is led by a healthcare professional and a peer leader who themselves have had a cancer diagnosis making this programme unique in it’s delivery. You can contact Dochas on 0579328268 for more information or to discuss further.

Secondly – Dochas will be recommencing the CLIMB® programme – a programme to support children aged 5-12years of age who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis. The CLIMB (Childrens Lives Include Moments of Bravery) programme was founded by The Children’s Treehouse Foundation in 2001 in Colorado.

It is a programme for children aged 5 to 12 who are experiencing the impact of a parent’s, other significant adult’s or a brother or sister’s cancer diagnosis. The programme is run over 6 weeks and aims to build upon the child’s strengths and increase their ability to cope with stress associated with the parent’s illness.

Through group activities, small groups of children engage in art therapy and play therapy as tools to enable them to express their feelings. This programme commences on 23rd February 2023 with some limited spaces available. However, a waiting list is in operation and a course can be run at any time once there is demand to run this so contact Dochas to discuss your needs and the potential to enlist your child on this vital service.

Both programmes are provided free of charge.

All information can be obtained, including the multitude of other free services they offer, by reaching out to the staff in Dochas on 0579328268 or emailing [email protected] or visiting their website on www.dochasoffaly.com