Minister Mary Butler and Minister John Cummins visited the Solas Cancer Support Centre on June 30th, as the charity announced a welcome funding boost.
In Budget 2025, the Department of Health allocated funding to Community Cancer Support Centres, which are members of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres, with the HSE National Cancer Control Program. As one of the busiest of the affiliated Cancer Support Centres, Solas has received €401,750 to support its service delivery in Centres in both Waterford City and Dungarvan.
The Solas Cancer Support Centre provides free support services to those impacted by a cancer diagnosis. This may be someone with a diagnosis, a family member or loved one, or someone who is bereaved as a consequence of cancer. In 2025 the charity will support 1,500 people, delivering approximately 10,000 one-to-one professional services.
‘Game changer’
Chair of the charity, Barry Monaghan, explains the difference that this funding will make: “The commitment from Government in Budget 2025 is a game changer for the Solas Cancer Support Centre in that it allows us to continue grow and offer our services to more and more people without fear. Our running costs in 2025 are expected to be €1.1 million and fundraising at this level was becoming a major challenge. Knowing we have Government support means, in simple terms, that we will no longer have to raise 100% of our costs but rather 65%. It is still a huge challenge for us to raise the remaining €700,000 annually, but with the amazing support of the Solas community we know this is achievable.”
Back L-R: Solas Trustees Myles O’Connor, Kieran Foley, Paddy McMahon and Manager Tracy McDaid. Front L-R: Ann Marie Shannon, Trustee, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health, Mrs Mary Butler TD, John Cummins TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Barry Monaghan, Chairman of the Solas Cancer Support Centre. Photo: Garrett Fitzgerald
“Most importantly, it allows us to say to more and more people whose lives have been affected by cancer, that ‘No-one should have to deal with Cancer alone’ and that ‘We are here for everyone’. In particular , this funding allows us to reach out to more men to avail of our services and to cater for more male orientated group and individual supports.”
Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Centre added to this, saying: “We are extremely grateful to the Department of Health, in recognising the value of the work we do and the impact that this work has for our clients. The Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 formally recognises Community Cancer Support Centres within the patient pathway and this funding allows us to grow and develop existing and new services to meet demand.”
Government commitment to services
Speaking at this announcement, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health, Mrs Mary Butler TD, said:
“It is a source of immense pride to see Waterford’s Solas Cancer Support Centre recognised and supported through this vital funding initiative. This allocation is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to community-based cancer support services.
“Solas plays a critical role in the lives of so many people across Waterford, and this investment ensures that more individuals and families will continue to receive the compassionate, person-centred care they need at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Welcoming this positive development for the charity was John Cummins TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning: ‘Waterford’s Solas Cancer Support Centre is one of the largest Community Cancer Support Centres in Ireland and we are fortunate to have this important service based in Waterford city, and in Dungarvan, supporting the west Waterford community. I am pleased that this multi annual Government funding allows the charity to plan for the future and grow to meet demand’.
Other guests attending the announcement included Louise Mullen, National Lead for Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Control Programme, and Dorothy Thomas, Patient Engagement Manager with the National Cancer Control Programme.
Range of services
The Solas Cancer Support Centre offers free services to those affected by cancer, with a wide range of services available. These supports include Reflexology, Massage, Reiki, Counselling for adults and adolescents, Acupuncture, Meditation, Yoga, Play Therapy for Children and Art Psychotherapy for children and adolescents.
For enquiries, call the Solas Cancer Support Centre on 051 304604 or email info@solascentre.ie
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