A programme for children aged 5–12 who are experiencing the impact of a parent, significant other adult, brother or sister’s cancer diagnosis is being offered by Tuam Care Care Centre. CLIMB stands for - Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery.
‘When a close adult relative, such as a parent or aunt or grandparent, is diagnosed with cancer if affects the entire family. All of a sudden people are acting strangely, there’s something going on, but the child doesn’t really know what. Children can feel very isolated. There is a tendency to shield them from what’s going on but this can actually hurt them. The main thing is to reassure them that what is happening is not their fault and to remind them of everyone who loves them’.
CLIMB is run over six weeks and the groups run in the evenings so as not to disrupt school attendance. It is planned to offer the course on a bi-annual basis. CLIMB is an enjoyable, sharing, interactive experience and a time for the children to come together to deal with their feelings. Throughout the programme the children will develop an understanding of cancer. Ten support volunteer from Tuam Cancer Care are qualified to facilitate the CLIMB Programme.
The next CLIMB Programme will commence on Wednesday, May 4 from 5pm – 6.30pm and will run each Wednesday for six weeks in Tuam Cancer Care’s new Centre which is located in Cricket Court on the Dunmore Road (opposite Pulse ), Tuam. The CLIMB Programme is free of charge. Please contact Tuam Cancer Care Centre if you feel your child or children may benefit from this programme or if you would like more information on the CLIMB Programme. More information also available at www.tuamcancercare.ie
