We know that a diagnosis of childhood or adolescent cancer has a huge impact on the entire family. We also know that the emotional effects can last long after treatment has ended. We are pleased to launch a new pilot programme to offer families an opportunity to access play therapy for a child or teen who has had cancer, or their sibling.
Who can access this pilot programme?
- Children or teens (age 4 – 18) who are no longer in active treatment* but may be struggling to cope emotionally at home, in school or socially.
- Siblings of a child who has cancer (during or after treatment)
- Don’t be fooled by the name – play therapy is suitable for teens as well.
*children who are no longer receiving chemotherapy as part of either frontline or maintenance treatment.
About the programme
Play therapy
Childhood Cancer Ireland has developed a network of qualified and experienced play therapists around the country, who can work with children and teens who have been impacted by childhood cancer. These sessions will happen in person so you must be able to travel to your nearest location each week for 8 weeks. There may not be a location that suits you and we are working on adding more qualified and experienced play therapists.
Parent advice
Because we cannot cover all areas of the country, we can also offer access to an online parent advice session with a qualified and experienced play therapist, which may help you as parents if any of your children are struggling during or after treatment.
Where is it based?
For this pilot programme, we have play therapists available in the following locations and we are actively recruiting more therapists.
- Ennis, Co. Clare
- Ballincollig, Co. Cork
- Glanmire, Co. Cork
- Clontarf, Dublin 3
- Dublin 2
- The Naul, Co. Dublin
- Tralee, Co. Kerry
- Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
How does it work?
If there is a play therapist in your area, Childhood Cancer Ireland will put you in touch with them. Once it has been decided that play therapy is the appropriate intervention and that both parties are happy to work together, Childhood Cancer Ireland will fund an agreed programme of 9 sessions (1 parent session and 8 play therapy sessions). There are some basic terms and conditions, which we will share with you once you have been matched with a play therapist.
If you wish to access online parent advice with a play therapist, please complete the form below.
How to apply?
Please complete this expression of interest to tell us a little bit about your family. If you have any questions please contact us via phone or email and we’ll be happy to talk to you about this pilot programme.
