Free counselling for Laois cancer patients 

The Irish Cancer Society and Cuisle Cancer Support House partnered to provide 500 free counselling sessions across the Laois area in 2025.

This week The Irish Cancer Society presented €31,500 to Cuisle Cancer Support Centre in Portlaoise to deliver free counselling services. These free services in Laois can be availed by cancer patients, survivors and their family members.

In addition to counselling, Cuisle Cancer Support Centre also provides nurse support, complimentary therapies, MLD and survivorship programmes.  

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.

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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.  

“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 Cuisle Cancer Support Centre to deliver these services in Laois. As well as offering our own remote counselling services, through our 24 local cancer support centre partners, the Irish Cancer Society funds vital free counselling services on the ground across Ireland. We simply can’t be there for those patients and families without the generosity and support of the Irish public. Every €60 we can raise is a free counselling session for a patient or their loved one. Every euro of your support will help make a difference. That’s why we’re asking for your support his Daffodil Day, Friday 20th March.”

Mary Ruddy, Centre Manager says: “We are very grateful to receive funding from the Irish Cancer Society to provide this vital service to people living with cancer.

“Every day our team works to connect with cancer patients and survivors who are grappling with the challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment.”