Solas Cancer Support Services at the Lismore Clinic
We are delighted to announce that we are currently working in partnership with Solas Cancer Support Centre, to provide support services to people affected by cancer and their families, through the Lismore Clinic.
The Solas Cancer Support Service was established in Waterford in 1999, to provide a wide variety of support services, including counselling and relaxation therapies, to people affected by cancer and their families. Last year, Solas set up a new service for the people of West Waterford, at the Dungarvan Alternative Health Clinic, and now also provides support services to people affected by cancer and their families, through the Lismore Clinic. This allows easier access to services for people living in areas such as Lismore, Cappoquin, Araglin, Ballyduff and Tallow.
When someone contacts the Solas cancer support service for the first time, a relaxed, informal introduction meeting is arranged with the Solas Client Services Co- ordinator. This allows the individual time to reflect on their experience in a safe and confidential space. The individual has an opportunity to explore their feelings and needs, and to consider the resources that are available through Solas, that may be therapeutic and empowering to them.
The meeting is a foundation block in nurturing a sense of safety, trust, respect and belonging within the Solas Cancer Support service, for each individual. Following the introduction meeting, appointments for the appropriate services may be arranged by the Client Services Coordinator. The support services that are available at the Lismore Clinic include Counselling, Art therapy and Craniosacral Therapy and Massage.
Counselling is a professional, therapeutic listening process offering confidentiality, understanding and empathy in a non-judgemental, respectful space. Counselling support aims to empower the individual with personal clarity and confidence to cope with their personal challenges.
Art therapy is a model of counselling which uses imagery as a medium of self-expression. Art therapy supports individuals to explore, communicate and process challenging emotions. It is particularly effective for children and adolescents experiencing distress.
Massage is a professional therapeutic ‘touch therapy’, delivered for the purpose of symptomatic stress relief. A rhythmic, systematic application of pressure by the hands of the Therapist can relieve tension from muscles, improve circulation, reduce swelling, ease discomfort and promote an enhanced sense of well-being.
All of the practitioners at the Lismore Clinic are caring individuals who are fully qualified in their particular therapy, and have a great deal of experience working with people affected by cancer and their families. If you or someone in your family is affected by cancer, and feel that the Solas Cancer Support service may be of help, please call 051 304 604 or email: info@solascentre.ie to arrange an introductory meeting.
The Solas Cancer Support Service is a charity 100% reliant on income raised through fundraising to support our services. If you are interested in organising an event for Solas, no matter how big or small it might be, please contact Ann Marie on 051 304604 or email annmarie@solascentre.ie.