Latest news with #PurpleHouse
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cancer support centres in Wicklow still waiting for budget funding
The government pledged to invest €41 million in cancer services this year, including a €5.5 million allocation to the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services. Purple House in Bray, Greystones Cancer Support and Arklow Cancer Support Group are members of the Alliance and were due to receive funding during 2025. However, it's understood none of those groups have received that funding. Former Health Minister Stephen Donnelly first made the announcement while paying a visit to Purple House Cancer Support Centre in Bray last October, where he also stated he had asked his Department to consider funding for other cancer support services in County Wicklow. These include Wicklow Town Cancer Support, West Wicklow Cancer Support, Rathdrum Cancer Support and Roundwood Cancer Support. Funding was also ringfenced for these community cancer support groups around the county, but they have yet to be contacted by officials from the HSE. Raising the issue in the Dáil recently, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore called on her constituency colleague Tánaiste Simon Harris to make sure the promise of funding for these groups is kept. 'The Tánaiste and I both well know the amazing work these cancer groups do in County Wicklow. I have seen correspondence from the former Minister where he said that funding would be recurrent funding, no matter the affiliation with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).' In response Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said The HSE and the NCCP have recently been working with community organisations to distribute the 2025 funding allocation. 'The first call for the full members of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres, of which Purple House is one, is now almost complete and the second call for the associate members is now under way.' 'The Alliance has 21 full members and 22 associate members. The associate members will now go through that process as well, but the priority is, of course, for the full members.' she added.
Irish Independent
20-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wicklow pharmacist finds joy in retirement after putting on her running shoes
Having stepped down from her role at McCabe's Pharmacy in Bray after 21 years of service to her community, local resident Liz Hipple hoped to maintain her support for Purple House, which raised more than €10,000 for the charity at hugely popular coffee mornings in the Main Street pharmacy. An avid walker, when it was proposed to Liz that she take up running in her retirement, she decided it would be a great way to keep fit and active, while raising funds, and set her sights on running next year's Dublin Mini-Marathon in aid of Purple House. As chance would have it, the perfect opportunity to dip her toes into the world of distance running presented itself when she was planning a trip to Canada to visit her cousin, who asked Liz to join her for a charity run for mental health in Burlington, Toronto. As Liz explained, the thought of running 5k, having no previous experience of running or ever having even bought a pair of running shoes, was daunting, but she decided to take the event head on, and surprised herself by coasting across the finish line in a time of 42:06. 'I used to do the Purple House coffee morning every year, and I was thinking about what I could do to keep that going after retiring last March,' Liz said. 'So I just said to myself, one day, I'm going to take up running because that means I can run the marathon to drum up funds for Purple House. 'I was due to visit my cousin Shannon in Canada last month, and they rang me and asked me if I would participate in this charity run over there. I was a bit scared when I got over there, as I had planned on doing a 3k, but signed up for the 5k. 'I'm a walker, but I've never really run at all, so it was a saving grace when I went to my cousin's house and they had a treadmill, so I started on that straight away. I even bought my first pair of running shoes over there, and they were like a dream! 'When the run started, my cousin, who is super fit, and I started together, and then said we'd meet at the end,' she continued. 'I couldn't believe how well it went, to be honest. I ran it all in 35c and it was a breeze, and I wasn't even out of breath. 'There was a $100 entry fee, and 1,200 took part, which is a substantial amount, so I was proud to be part of that.' Now back on Irish soil, Liz said that the experience has filled her with the drive to prepare for next year's mini marathon, and is hoping to enlist the support of friends to join her training and on the big day. Reflecting on her newfound passion and what she wants to get out of her retirement, Liz said that the last few months have opened her eyes to the endless possibilities before her, while reminding her that one door closing so often leads to another opening. 'There is definitely life after retirement, and by helping others with some of our free time, it can be very rewarding,' Liz said. 'For me, I was afraid I'd get lazy in my retirement, but I had always planned to continue the fundraising for Purple House, so I suppose I had that goal in mind and something to focus on. 'I suppose, that's the joy you can get from retirement, having time to add something to your life. For me, it's always been about giving back to the community, so I have my sights set on next year's mini-marathon for Purple House, and I'll give myself that year to train up. 'Because I'm older, I wasn't expecting to be able to do anything very fast, but I'm delighted with how the run in Canada went, and it just makes me want to do more,' she added. 'I've been asking some of my friends to participate in the mini-marathon, and they said they might, so we may start running together coming into the winter months. 'I know my son is going to be a huge influence on me, as he took up running a few years ago, and he's doing the full marathon in October. 'I'm all in on it now, though, and I'm sure you'll see me doing a few laps of the promenade in Bray over the coming months!'
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wicklow's Purple House launches ‘Cancer Care at Work' scheme at Leinster House
The initiative was created by Bray's Purple House Cancer Support and Core media group, to provide practical advice and guidance for employers who want to create or enhance their cancer support policy. Both organisations presented the initiative in Leinster House, to encourage elected political representatives to support the framework. It follows the release of a report last month by Purple House, which showed only a quarter of employers felt their management teams were adequately trained to handle a cancer diagnosis in the workforce. It also found that some 88pc of employees believe that a workplace cancer policy is important, but only 19pc say their company has one. Over seven in ten respondents believe a cancer diagnosis negatively impacts career progression, with over half of employees surveyed who have had cancer confirming this. While 91pc of employers expressed a willingness to implement cancer support policies, fewer than one in five companies currently have one in place. Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore welcomed the launch of the initiative at Leinster House, praising it as 'a vital and compassionate step forward' and commending Purple House for their continued leadership in community-based care. 'I'm absolutely delighted to see this initiative come to life. Cancer Care at Work is a powerful example of what happens when community organisations lead with empathy, expertise, and vision,' Deputy Whitmore said. 'This programme will make a real difference in the lives of workers across Ireland who are navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, whether for themselves or a loved one. It's about dignity, support, and ensuring no one has to face this journey alone in the workplace. 'Purple House has long been a cornerstone of support for families in Wicklow and beyond and it comes as no surprise to me that they are driving this change. Their work is rooted in compassion and community, and this new initiative is a testament to their commitment to improving lives. I'd like to sincerely thank them for their tireless efforts,' Deputy Whitmore continued. 'I urge businesses across the country to engage with this framework and take meaningful steps to support their staff. By introducing clear cancer support policies, employers can help create a workplace that prioritises wellbeing and respect, strengthening their entire organisation. 'Cancer touches every community. With Cancer Care at Work, we now have a roadmap to ensure that workplaces can be places of support, not stress, for those affected. I am calling on the Government to back initiatives like this with the funding and recognition they deserve,' Deputy Whitmore concluded.
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Bray's Purple House launches ‘Cancer Care at Work' scheme at Leinster House
The initiative was created by Bray's Purple House Cancer Support and Core media group, to provide practical advice and guidance for employers who want to create or enhance their cancer support policy. Both organisations presented the initiative in Leinster House, to encourage elected political representatives to support the framework. It follows the release of a report last month by Purple House, which showed only a quarter of employers felt their management teams were adequately trained to handle a cancer diagnosis in the workforce. It also found that some 88pc of employees believe that a workplace cancer policy is important, but only 19pc say their company has one. Over seven in ten respondents believe a cancer diagnosis negatively impacts career progression, with over half of employees surveyed who have had cancer confirming this. While 91pc of employers expressed a willingness to implement cancer support policies, fewer than one in five companies currently have one in place. Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore welcomed the launch of the initiative at Leinster House, praising it as 'a vital and compassionate step forward' and commending Purple House for their continued leadership in community-based care. 'I'm absolutely delighted to see this initiative come to life. Cancer Care at Work is a powerful example of what happens when community organisations lead with empathy, expertise, and vision,' Deputy Whitmore said. 'This programme will make a real difference in the lives of workers across Ireland who are navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, whether for themselves or a loved one. It's about dignity, support, and ensuring no one has to face this journey alone in the workplace. 'Purple House has long been a cornerstone of support for families in Wicklow and beyond and it comes as no surprise to me that they are driving this change. Their work is rooted in compassion and community, and this new initiative is a testament to their commitment to improving lives. I'd like to sincerely thank them for their tireless efforts,' Deputy Whitmore continued. 'I urge businesses across the country to engage with this framework and take meaningful steps to support their staff. By introducing clear cancer support policies, employers can help create a workplace that prioritises wellbeing and respect, strengthening their entire organisation. 'Cancer touches every community. With Cancer Care at Work, we now have a roadmap to ensure that workplaces can be places of support, not stress, for those affected. I am calling on the Government to back initiatives like this with the funding and recognition they deserve,' Deputy Whitmore concluded.
RTÉ News
29-04-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Cancer care at work initiative launched for employers
A new "Cancer Care at Work" framework has been announced to enable employers and businesses to create a policy and support system for employees who receive a cancer diagnosis or are supporting a loved one undergoing treatment. The initiative has been launched by marketing communications company Core, and cancer support centre Purple House. Research conducted ahead of the launch highlighted the areas that employees would like to see contained in a workplace cancer policy. These include emotional support such as counselling services, physical support such as flexible treatment accommodations, education and training for managers and financial support. A survey of over 1,000 people showed that half of respondents would feel uncomfortable disclosing a cancer diagnosis to an employer, while seven in ten fear a cancer diagnosis would negatively impact career progression. "With one in two people likely to receive a diagnosis in their lifetime, it is imperative that employers introduce policies that support employees undergoing a cancer diagnosis or treatment," said Nicola Gillen, Chief of Staff at Core. "This research confirms what many employees living with cancer already know - while workplaces want to help, the policies and structures simply aren't there," she added. Conor O'Leary, Director of Operations at Purple House Cancer Support, said it is crucial to create an environment where those affected by cancer feel supported and understood. "The time to act is now," Mr O'Leary said. "Irish businesses must take meaningful steps to ensure that those diagnosed with cancer feel supported, valued, and empowered to remain in the workforce," he added. The study was conducted from August 2024 to February 2025, gathering insights from a nationally representative sample of 1,000 members of the general public, 85 employers across various sectors and in-depth qualitative interviews with employees who have experienced cancer.
