Cancer Support Group appeal for new premises

THE Tallaght Cancer Support Group (TCSG) is appealing for a new premises in the centre of Tallaght so they can continue to provide their ‘essential service’ to people in the community affected by cancer.

Previously based in Trustus House in Tallaght Village, the charity was established in 2007 and provides support for all cancer patients, their families and friends, through a variety of services.

The group had to vacate their previous space in Trustus House last April, as Trustus needed the rooms the support group used so they could carry out their work while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

TCSG now has a storage space in Glenview, but they are keen to find a new premises to rent in the centre of Tallaght where they can create the same welcoming atmosphere that they fostered in their former location.

Frances McNulty from TCSG told The Echo: “People liked to drop into us in Trustus, to talk to likeminded people and talk openly about cancer.

“Some people would come because they wanted to talk openly to someone who wouldn’t judge them.

“Some of them would have gone for chemo appointments and would pop down to us while their blood was being analysed.

“There was a lovely feeling in Trustus. We put our own stamp on it and had our own furniture and pictures.”

Outside of the vital

social outlet the service provides for people affected by cancer, TCSG also offers counselling and holistic services, such as reiki and acupuncture, to help people going through treatment.

These services have been offered remotely since the onset of the pandemic, but the group is hoping to get back to offering in-person support in a new premises, five days a week.

“We need somewhere where we can put our identity into it,” explained Ms McNulty. “We have lovely pictures and everything else.

“We pay rent, and we’re quite happy to pay rent, even though we’re a registered charity and all of our services are free, We do everything voluntarily.”

Having a location in the centre of Tallaght is key, according to Ms McNulty, as it would be easy to find and is more accessible for people all over the county who attend TCSG services.

Some clients come from areas  outside of Tallaght, such as Knocklyon and Sandyford, and the group has bookmarks which some hospitals give to cancer patients to make them aware  of the group’s services.

While the group supports those going through cancer treatment and their loved ones, they also provide support at other testing times for people who are in recovery from the disease.

“When you’ve had your treatment and you’re finished with the hospital,  and the surgeon says, ‘See you in six  months or a year’, sometimes people don’t know where to turn after that, so they come to us for information,” said Ms McNulty.

“We feel that the Tallaght Cancer Support Group is an essential service and it is.”

For further details visit the Tallaght  Cancer Support Group Facebook page.

Ms McNulty has also appealed  to anyone who may have a suitable space to rent to contact her on 086 400 2736 or via email at ctallaght@yahoo.ie.

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