Dóchas now affiliated to Irish Cancer Society

Offaly cancer support group Dóchas has been officially recognised as an affiliate of the Irish Cancer Society, and will now become part of a network of groups across Ireland that provide information and support to people living with cancer. As part of the National Strategy for Cancer Control the Irish Cancer Society was asked to expand its role to become an umbrella body for support centres countrywide. The society has since carried out a scoping study to determine the number of groups around the country, what activities they are engaged in and what their expectations are. A directory of all support services countrywide and a set of good practice guidelines has now been developed, and a training programme is being rolled out. Becoming affiliated to the Irish Cancer Society also means support groups can apply for a grants scheme to be run by the Irish Cancer Society. Support Groups Manager with the Irish Cancer Society Olwyn Ryan said that the Irish Cancer Society is fully committed to supporting the ongoing development of all support groups across the country whether large or small. She added that it's vital we have a good support network in place to ensure people with cancer get the help and support they need. Dóchas can be contacted by logging on to www.dochasoffaly.ie or calling 057 9328268.