Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity is a non-profit organisation affiliated with the Irish Cancer Society. The charity provides practical support for families in Ireland affected by childhood cancer — from domestic cleaning and laundry to meals and childcare, they’re there for families when they need it most.
Every year, hundreds of children in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer.
When a family receives the news that their child has cancer, their world is turned upside down. Simple everyday tasks can become a burden as parents try to keep family life as normal as possible for everyone, while going through treatment and spending precious time with their sick child.
Hand in Hand is there to help by offering a range of home support services that reduce some of the stress and anxiety that impacts the whole family.
By engaging local professional service suppliers, Hand in Hand provides a tailor-made package of care to suit each family individually. Services can be availed of during and immediately after treatment.
Hand in Hand Play Therapy Sessions
Hand in Hand has a Cancer Support Centre in Loughrea, Co. Galway, with a playroom fully equipped with a play therapy tool kit and a fully qualified play therapist on hand.
The play therapy service is available for children affected by childhood cancer — either their own diagnosis, or the diagnosis of an immediate family member. Children use play to communicate, and play therapy helps them express and work through their feelings in sessions facilitated by a fully qualified play therapist.
For more information on how to book a session, please contact Hand in Hand on 091 880 360 or email jennifer@handinhand.ie.
How You Can Help Hand in Hand
Hand in Hand is a not-for-profit charity and relies on donations and help from businesses, local services and kind-hearted individuals to bring their services to the families they support.
There are many different ways you can help:
- Donate – You can make a donation online, by post or via your mobile. Visit the donations page to find out more.
- Organise a fundraising event – Have a look at the guide to organising fundraising events.
- Become a sponsor – To find out more about how your company can help make a difference to the family life of a child diagnosed with cancer, see the corporate sponsorship section.
- Volunteer – If you would like to join the team of volunteers, simply fill in the volunteer form.
Your involvement will:
- Ensure the continued availability of services to families
- Enable families to maximise the treatment received, no matter how far they live from a medical centre of excellence
- Minimise the stress everyday chores can have on families coping with childhood cancer
- Give parents, guardians, siblings and children with cancer more quality time together
- Provide financial stability and routine for families by making it easier for one parent to remain working
If your family has been affected by childhood cancer and needs support, please get in touch with Hand in Hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hand in Hand actually help with?
Hand in Hand arranges practical home support for families affected by childhood cancer, including domestic cleaning, laundry, meals and childcare, so parents can focus on their child’s treatment and on keeping family life steady for everyone.
Who is the play therapy service for?
The play therapy service at the Cancer Support Centre in Loughrea, Co. Galway is open to children affected by childhood cancer, whether it’s their own diagnosis or that of an immediate family member.
How do I get in touch with Hand in Hand?
You can contact Hand in Hand directly by phone or email, or visit their website for full details on support services and how to get in touch.
How can I support Hand in Hand if I’m not affected by childhood cancer myself?
You can donate, organise a fundraising event, become a corporate sponsor, or volunteer your time. Every option helps the charity keep its services available to families who need them.
Related Articles
- Supporting a Family Member Through Illness: A Guide for Parents
- Irish Charities Supporting Families of Children with Additional Needs
- How to Talk to Children About a Sick Family Member
Save This for Later
If you know a family who could use this support, or you’d simply like to come back to this when you have time, save this article or share it with someone who needs it. You can also browse more family support resources on MyKidsTime for ideas on helping families through difficult times.
Get Weekly Family Ideas
Want more useful, practical content like this delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly ideas, supports and inspiration for family life.
