Hope Cancer Support Centre rings in 25 years with Wexford community

Irish Independent

27-05-2025

The centre was originally established on Easter Week 1999, when a small group of people affected by cancer, decided to meet up weekly in a local hotel for a chat. After word of mouth spread amongst the community, the group grew significantly, as did the need for a permanent structure to the meetings.
The use of a building in Church Street Enniscorthy was acquired, though following an increased need for space, the centre moved into its current location on Weafer Street.
And although General Manager Paul Brown only took up his position in 2023, he was drawn to the centre after hearing nothing but good words about the work they do for people in the community.
Speaking on the evolvement of the centre, he explained that the charity has strived to expand further by providing more services for their clients.
"Originally it was just counselling, but now we also have reflexology, creative therapies and more. We would be very much developed.'
Community is at the core of the centre, with many organisations and groups choosing to raise funds for the services throughout the year.
"Community is huge – both from the point of view that we help, but also the amount of fundraising that is done. We get approximately 20 per cent from the Government, but the rest is fundraised and so there would be nearly half a million raised by all the people of County Wexford,' he said.
One of their biggest fundraisers is the annual Hope and Dream 10 run, which attracted around 1200 participants this year. A fantastic showing of support, he said that although they have not confirmed the final amount raised, they hope to have raised more than last year - which was an incredible €143,681.
He added that they were very thankful to Enniscorthy Credit Union who sponsor the run.
However, the running of the centre has had its fair share of challenges including the Covid-19 Pandemic, ensuring they have enough funds, and convincing men to come into the centre.
"I think the continued challenge is to get the funds in and in encouraging men to come into the centre. I think overall in the country, in terms of men getting support, it is improving and we have in the last six months experienced some men coming in here,' he said.
In terms of staff, the centre has three members in the shop, with eight within the premises and three client service coordinators. He said they recognise greatly how demanding the job can be in their day to day tasks.
"It is very difficult and even people who do not have a diagnosis will be affected by it. It is challenging, but we have a clients service manager who would manage the three coordinators. It is a challenging enough role to work in this environment.'
Big plans are also in store for the centre as they set about to relocate and build a state of the art facility to address the needs of their growing clientele.
As laid out in the ambitious proposal, they had initially considered expanding into neighbouring properties, but this option would have forced them to cease operations while building.
"We would have had to move out because of the noise, so hopefully the new building will get finished and people could move into it and be a bit more seamless.'
To mark the milestone, a crowd of 120 people turned up at the centre last weekend to chat and reminisce – with some of the founding members remarking in awe over how far the centre has come.
"I was talking to the founding members the other day and they were thrilled. It is another phase even though everyone loves this building. They would very much say it is the sanctuary behind the blue door, but things change and we will have a much more modern building.'
He added that it was great to see such a big crowd on the day, with some clients bringing their family members with them. The festivities were held out in their garden as they wanted to highlight the progress there as well during the good weather.
Most of all, on behalf of everybody in the centre and those who have benefited from it, he extended thanks to everyone who supported them over the last 25 years.
"A heartfelt thanks to everyone in Wexford who has really helped to make sure that the services continue, both by fundraising and volunteering. Also the staff, who have made a conscious decision to come in and work in the centre.'
'And also thanks to the clients, I know it might seem a bit strange, but thanks to the clients who have come to us for the support and who are incredibly positive. They also help to create a wonderful and positive atmosphere and energy because of their attitude. It is great to have people attend the support group while encouraging others to reach out,' he said.