Claire Shanahan from the Dungarvan/West Waterford Solas Centre and Barry Monaghan, Chair of the Solas Centre, joined Damien in studio to discuss a new five year strategic plan.

The plan was launched yesterday and it comes as there has been an increased demand for the organisation's services.

Last year was the busiest year to date, with 1,008 clients, including 619 new ones, supported. This is an increase of almost 20% compared to 2021.

Barry spoke about the fact that the incidence rate of cancer is going to rise, and therefore their service must change and adapt to suit this.

He says the strategic plan is there to help to guide the Solas Centre over the coming five years.

Claire spoke about the Centre based in Dungarvan and why it was created there.

The Dungarvan Centre has been open since 2016. Claire discussed how it has been doing since then.

The two went on to discuss the vison of the Solas Centre and what it means to be serving clients across Waterford.

They spoke about their main objectives of the strategy, the first of which is leadership and innovation.

Their goal is to get better and better.

They also hope to get more men and those from minority groups involved in the Solas Centre.

Both Barry and Claire have made it clear throughout the conversation that every single person, regardless of their background, are welcome to the Centre if they have been affected by cancer.

To listen to this conversation, click the link in this podcast.

For more Déise podcasts, click here.