Arc, a cancer support centre in Dublin, is opening its doors to its north city neighbours in an effort to support those who need its services the most. Anne Dempseyreports.
Arc, the cancer support centre in Dublin, draws its visitors from the suburbs, surrounding counties and further afield, but few from the north city itself. Maybe people don't know the free facility is there, maybe they're put off by the smart Georgian building or maybe it's something else.
"Coming to us, getting past the door could mean for some clients admitting they have cancer, which could be very difficult. They may be fearing what's on the other side of the door, both of our building and of their cancer," says Arc therapist Mary Scarff.
Arc, one of the first such non-residential facilities in Ireland, opened officially in 1994 with a particular model of holistic multidisciplinary care. Its nurse-led staff are experienced professionals, trained variously in oncology, counselling, nutrition, stress management and other relevant areas. Next year Arc will open its first south city centre in a building which the HSE purchased for it.
Next Sunday Arc will hold an open day, offering a particular welcome to its Dublin 7 neighbours. They are invited in to meet staff, therapists, tour the house and gardens, ask questions and learn about the services.
These services include courses in stress management, art therapy and journalling, living with cancer, being a carer and personal development. Appointment services include counselling, reflexology and a beauty workshop - relevant for someone undergoing cancer treatment.
There is a drop-in centre, cancer education workshops and monthly lecture series. All programmes are open to cancer sufferers, carers, loved ones and families. New services geared particularly for men are being planned.
"We meet each new client in depth to answer any medical questions they may have and together we assess what would suit them best, whether it's to join a group, work with someone one to one, join the Next Step personal development programme, or something else," says Scarff.
Robert Levins's wife, Joan, died from cancer in January 2005. Aged 56, a dad and grandad, he lives in Drumcondra, Dublin.
"I had passed by Arc for years, going to the gym next door, and never knew what Arc was. My wife couldn't come to terms with being terminally ill which made the situation very difficult. I needed help.
"Then I was told about Arc. I knocked at the door, went inside and fell apart. I cried and talked and they were absolutely wonderful. I released a lot of fear, was helped to cope with coming home each night and having to pretend that things were normal.
"There is an appreciation when you walk into Arc House that you're entering somewhere special. When someone gets good news, or someone else not so good, the support, the hugs come pouring in. It's a magical place.
"After Joan died I was all over the place," he says. "About a month later, I got a letter from Arc, saying they were still there for me. As you can imagine, more tears! I hadn't realised I could go along after Joan had died. That week I joined its Thursday evening class in relaxation, visualisation and meditation.
"I've since done a carer's course - six men, all cancer carers. While we began formally, as men do, over the weeks the barriers broke down and it was extremely valuable. The course helped me look back at how I cared for Joan and I think I did okay. I still attend on Thursday evening. Having the facility so near at hand for people in the city is a huge bonus. I would say to anyone 'if you need it, knock on that door, you won't regret it'."
Bridie O'Reilly, 54, lives four miles from Arc and works nearby, so attending either day or evening can suit. About 18 months ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a lumpectomy and lymph node surgery. She is now on the drug Herceptin, proven to reduce the risk of disease recurrence in women with a particular susceptibility.
"Regarding treatment, I had the whole shebang, eight chemo sessions and 33 radiography sessions. I continued to work and managed the side effects quite well. I knew about Arc and went to them almost immediately after surgery.
"I wasn't over-awed by the cancer, but felt I might need professional help in the future and wanted to meet others with cancer further along the road than me.
"As soon as I arrived, I experienced a wonderful ambience. Even waiting downstairs, people knew I was a new face and introduced themselves. At the first meeting I received good wishes for my recovery from people who showed genuine concern.
"In the relaxation class I found the breathing exercises the most helpful, and use them constantly. They just bring me down to earth when my head is spinning with stuff not necessarily illness-related.
"A few months ago I did Arc's stress management course which has been particularly valuable. One night there it hit me like a ton of bricks that I need to step back a bit, take some time out, so I'm taking a break from work from the end of this month. The course raised my awareness of what I really need for now.
"My long-term prognosis is excellent, and Arc has been hugely important in my recovery. It's not a gloomy place, it's full of hope and I can't over-emphasise the sense of family you feel when you're there."
Arc Cancer Support Centre, 66 Eccles Street, Dublin, telephone 01-8307333. Arc's open day is on April 29th, noon-6pm, admission is free, telephone 01-8307333, or visit www.arccancersupport.ie