Free counselling for Laois cancer patients
Mary Quinn, head of service operations, Irish Cancer Society with Mary Ruddy, Cuisle Cancer Support Centre manager and Edel Shovlin, acting chief executive, Irish Cancer Society. Photo: Andres Poveda Photography
CANCER patients and their families in Laois are receiving free counselling sessions, thanks to funding from the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).
The Cuisle Cancer Support Centre in Portlaoise partnered with the ICS to provide 500 free sessions across the county last year.
The ICS has just presented €31,500 to the Cuisle Centre to deliver free counselling services this year, which are available for cancer patients, survivors and family members.
In addition to counselling, the Cuisle Centre also provides services that include nursing support, complementary therapies, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and survivorship programmes.
Meanwhile, the ICS provides free remote counselling across the country and funding for free in-person counselling at a community level, by partnering with a network of 24 local cancer support centres.
In 2025, the ICS said it provided almost 13,000 free counselling sessions nationwide, through cancer support centres across the country.
At the cheque presentation this February, Cuisle Centre manager Mary Ruddy said the funding provided a vital service for people living with cancer.
She said: “Every day our team works to connect with cancer patients and survivors, who are grappling with the challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment.”
ICS head of service operations Mary Quinn commented: “On top of the physical impact of cancer treatment, we know the emotional and psychological toll cancer can take on patients and their loved ones, during and beyond their diagnosis. Providing free counselling to patients, survivors and their family members is a crucial service for those affected by cancer.”
Appealing to people to support Daffodil Day on Friday 20 March, Ms Quinn added: “We simply can’t be there for those patients and families without the generosity and support of the Irish public. Every €60 we can raise is a free counselling session for a patient or their loved one. Every euro of your support will help make a difference.”
For confidential advice, support and information on any cancer issue, contact the ICS support line on Freephone 1800 200 700.
