About Hand in Hand
Since 2006, Hand in Hand has been dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer. It all began in Galway when a group of volunteers helped a local family whose two-year-old had been diagnosed with leukaemia. Their support focused on providing practical assistance to help the family maintain some normalcy while regularly travelling to Dublin for chemotherapy and other medical appointments.
Initially, the charity’s mission was to support families in the West of Ireland with children diagnosed with cancer. However, its services have since expanded nationwide, with referrals now coming from children’s cancer hospitals, GPs, and consultants across the country.
A Lifeline for Families
The charity provides a range of essential services, managed by a small team of three staff members, to support children with cancer and their families. These services help alleviate both practical burdens, such as laundry and meal preparation, and emotional needs through bereavement counselling and play therapy. Play therapy is especially important, offering children a safe space to process their diagnosis and cope with the challenges of treatment.
Despite the vital nature of its services, the charity receives no government funding. It relies entirely on donations from private individuals, local businesses, and fundraising efforts to continue its work, making community support essential to sustaining its mission.
The Demand for Play
Demand for Play therapy has surged significantly in the past two to three years, with 392 children across Ireland benefiting from the service in 2023 alone. In the first half of 2024, therapy was provided to 261 children, reflecting a 33% increase compared to the previous year. Unfortunately, due to limited funding, children remain on the waiting list, unable to access this crucial support.
With sufficient funding, Hand in Hand could significantly enhance the well-being of vulnerable children and their siblings, ensuring their emotional needs are fully supported during this challenging time.
The Grant
The Hospital Saturday Fund awarded a grant of €13,000 to the Hand in Hand Charity. The funding will provide 200 play therapy sessions for children diagnosed with cancer and their siblings across Ireland, offering crucial emotional support during a challenging time.
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