Author: Máiréad O'Donnell

Empower is our Menopause and Cancer Survivorship Programme and is designed specially for women who have impacted by menopause, as a result of cancer treatment.

To support women facing this profound shift, we here at the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation run the Empower programme multiple times a year at our support centre in Mungret College. 

Run once a week for 8 weeks, this evidence-based survivorship programme provides a safe, fully confidential space for women experiencing treatment-related menopausal symptoms. Empower combines pre-recorded expert modules with essential peer support, breaking the isolation that often accompanies life after treatment.

The curriculum addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological side effects that women commonly encounter. Guided by experienced professionals, participants explore practical strategies for managing anxiety, debilitating brain fog, dietary changes, and fatigue. Beyond medical information, Empower provides an invaluable forum for women to share their personal journeys and knowledge with others who truly understand.

If you or a loved one are navigating the impact of treatment-induced menopause, we are here to support you. Contact us here at the Mid-Western Cancer Support Centre directly at 061 210979 or fill out the form below and we will email you back with the details of the next course.

Cancer Thrive & Survive Programme is a 6 week self-management programme for cancer survivors with the aim of improving the quality of life and better managing daily health.

The weekly workshops are interactive and builds confidence around managing health, staying active and enjoying life. To guide survivors through this next chapter, we at the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation host the Thrive and Survive programme multiple times a year at our support centre. 

This evidence-based, interactive self-management course is designed to help people adapt to their “new normal” after a cancer diagnosis. Rather than facing the post-treatment phase alone, participants gather in a supportive group environment to learn crucial daily health strategies. Guided by trained facilitators, the interactive workshops focus on rebuilding confidence, staying physically active, and improving overall quality of life.

The programme tackles the very specific physical and emotional challenges that survivors frequently experience. Key topics include managing chronic fatigue, coping with stress and anxiety, navigating nutritional changes, and dealing with the fear of recurrence. By equipping attendees with practical tools, Thrive and Survive empowers individuals to actively coordinate their ongoing wellbeing.

The workshop is open to anyone who has completed cancer treatment. Spaces are limited, and attendance is arranged by appointment via our office. If you or a loved one are ready to take the next steps toward healthier living, reach out to us on 061 210979 or fill out the form below.

CLIMB is a free six week group support programme dedicated to helping children cope with a family member’s cancer diagnosis.

For children between age 5-12 and carried out over 6 weekly sessions by trained healthcare professionals, this free, six-week group initiative is specially designed for children who have a parent, sibling, family member or significant caregiver diagnosed with cancer.

We are delighted to host CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) at the Mid Western Cancer Foundation multiple times during the year.

Rather than relying solely on traditional talk therapy, CLIMB uses creative tools like art, drama, and play to help children explore their feelings. Over six weekly evening sessions, participants gather in a safe, welcoming space to learn about cancer in an age-appropriate way, dispel common misconceptions, and share their experiences with peers facing similar journeys.

By encouraging children to express difficult emotions like anger, fear, and sadness, CLIMB builds resilience and provides practical coping mechanisms. Simultaneously, it offers parents peace of mind, knowing their children are receiving dedicated, compassionate guidance.

If your family is navigating a cancer diagnosis, you do not have to walk this path alone. Reach out to us here at the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation to learn more about upcoming session dates or to register a child.

Would you like more information on CLIMB?