Support Groups and Programmes

Have always and still do find the Staff in the Art Class room, all so lovely, friendly and helpful.

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Support Groups and Programmes

Current support groups and programmes available

Click on What's on for You? 2022 to learn more

Cancer Thriving and Surviving Self Management Programme

The Cancer Thriving and Surviving Self Management Programme is open to patients post radiation therapy. The programme was established in 2018, it is located in St. Luke's at Rathgar and Beaumont, and is supported by Psycho-oncology department and a peer (patient) facilitator.

Adapting to life after cancer treatment brings many challenges.  This post treatment phase can be a demanding journey but also a period for personal growth.  Our cancer Thriving and Surviving Programme is a self management programme designed to encourage participation and mutual support from participants who are in the post treatment phase.  Topics covered include: Healthy eating, Exercise, Dealing with emotions and Effective communication. Classes involve participation for 2 1/2 hours each week for six weeks.

For more information or any queries, please contact the Psycho-oncology department on (01) 4065163.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

The Head and Neck cancer support group is an open group for patients with a diagnosis of Head and Neck cancer. Established in 2018, it is located in St. Luke's Hospital and is supported by Psycho-oncology department, Consultant Radiation Oncologist and the wider multi-disciplinary team.

This group aims to provide information and support to patients and their relatives undergoing treatment for a head and neck cancer diagnosis. The group meets two to three times annually.

For more information or any queries, please contact the Psycho-oncology department on (01) 4065163.

Breast Cancer Support Group

The breast cancer support group is an open group for patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Established in 2006, it is located in St. Luke's Hospital and is supported by medical social workers and a clinical nurse specialist.

This group aims to provide information and support to those undergoing treatment for a breast cancer diagnosis. The plan is that the group will meet two to three times annually, from 2012.

For more information or any queries, please contact the Social Work Department on (01) 4065163.

Brain Tumour Support Group

The Brain Tumour Support Group was founded in May 1991 by a small group of brain tumour patients and their families.

It is an open support group assisted by social workers and radiotherapists. It is open to adult patients, their relatives and carers.

It is one of three national groups. The other two are in Galway and Cork. It meets in St. Luke's Hospital in Rathgar on the second Wednesday of each month.

For more information, please contact the Social Work Department at (01) 4065163.

Managing Cancer Related Fatigue

The Managing Cancer Related Fatigue is a group for patients who have completed or are completing their radiotherapy treatment. Established in 2018, it is located in St. Luke's Hospital and is facilitated by the psycho-oncology department.

Cancer related fatigue is a common symptom that significantly affects the majority patients undergoing cancer treatment and has physical, emotional and cognitive components. The psycho-oncology department aim to provide a Managing Cancer Related Fatigue a 2 hour workshop every 4 months. The interactive workshop aims to assist you in the development of a self-management plan and self-care techniques.

For more information or any queries, please contact the Psycho-oncology department on (01) 4065163.

Relaxation Classes

The relaxation classes is an open group for patients and relatives during and post treatment. Established in 2008, it is located in the ‘Judge room’, a sitting room outside C ward in St. Luke's Hospital. It is facilitated by the Psycho-oncology department.

The Psycho-Oncology Department in St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar holds weekly relaxation sessions for patients and relatives on Thursdays 11am to 11.30am in the Judge Room, beside Ward C. The relaxation sessions cover both progressive muscular relaxation and visualisation. All participants are given a CD to practice in their own time.

 Click here to access the online relaxation services which includes downloadable audio recordings and helpful information on how to relax and cope with stress.

 For more information or any queries, please contact the Psycho-oncology department on (01) 4065163.