Mayo received 283 free cancer counselling sessions last year

The Irish Cancer Society and Mayo Cancer Support Association provided 283 free counselling sessions across Mayo in 2025. 

The Irish Cancer Society presented  €17,000 to Mayo Cancer Support Association to part-fund the delivery of its free counselling services in 2025. 

These free services can be availed of by cancer patients, survivors and their family members as well as those bereaved by cancer.

In addition to free counselling, Mayo Cancer Support Association also provides complementary therapies, group activities, cancer support, survivorship programmes, nutrition advice, and children’s services, including play therapy and creative psychotherapy. 

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The Irish Cancer Society provides free remote counselling across the country, and by partnering with a network of 24 local cancer support centres, funding is provided to deliver free in-person counselling at a community level. 

In 2025, the Irish Cancer Society’s free nationwide counselling service provided almost 13,000 sessions through cancer support centres across the country.

Mary Quinn, Head of Service Operations at the Irish Cancer Society, says: “1 in 2 of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, and when we do, we deserve the best possible support to help us process and come to terms with our diagnosis.

“On top of the physical impact of cancer treatment, we know the emotional and psychological toll cancer can take on patients and their loved ones during and beyond their diagnosis,” she said.

“Providing free counselling to patients, survivors and their family members is a crucial service for those affected by cancer. We are delighted to partner with Mayo Cancer Support Association to help deliver these services in Mayo,” she added.

Orla Gillespie, CEO, Mayo Cancer Support Association, says: “We are grateful to receive funding from the Irish Cancer Society to help provide our vital counselling service to people who have been impacted by cancer. We are dependent on fundraising to cover up to 50% of our annual operating costs, and we thank the people of Mayo, too, for their ongoing generosity in supporting the delivery of all the services we provide.”