Tuam cancer care launches new activities programme

TUAM Cancer Care has launched its new autumn-winter support programme, with activities such as yoga and art therapy available.
The range of classes that take place over the coming months are aimed at offering support, exercise and enjoyment for those who have had a cancer diagnosis.
Tuam Cancer Care, based at its purpose-built centre on the Dunmore Road, offers psychological, emotional and practical support to people with a cancer diagnosis and their families. Volunteer staff provide support and information to people from the time of the cancer diagnosis through treatment and afterwards.
Already there has been a keen interest in the activities programme which all begin on September 14. Activities on offer include physical activity, a Strides for Life Walking Programme, Yoga, Art Therapy, Nutrition and Healthy Eating as well as Stress Management and Relaxation.
The Tuam centre is also running another session of its popular CLIMB Programme which has been developed especially for children aged between five and 12 years whose parent has had a diagnosis.
All services are offered free of charge and everyone who visits the centre can feel secure in the knowledge that all information will be treated with the utmost confidence.
“It is hoped that the support provided will help the person with a cancer diagnosis to regain control of their lives and enhance their personal coping skills, during a difficult period of their lives. As cancer is very much a family affair, family members will also be supported at this difficult time,” says Maureen Grealish, Centre Manager.
Apart from the schedule of classes, the centre also operates a drop-in service, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm. Complementary therapies such as massage, reiki, reflexology and counselling are regularly available while Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is also available for people who have developed lymphoedema as a result of their cancer treatment.
Those interested in taking part in an activity are advised to book a place in advance and are reminded that a medical consent form is required for the complementary therapies and the physical activity programmes.
In November, the centre will host a special information evening entitled Understanding Radiotherapy. The speaker for the evening is Stephen Coynes, Manager of Radiotherapy Unit in Galway University Hospital, and members of the Radiotherapy Unit staff will also be present.
Information on all of the programmes and services is available on the recently updated website www.tuamcancercare.ie or phone 093-28522.