While most Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted, the impact of the pandemic has had one positive effect for a local cancer support group in Co Tyrone.
Charis Cancer Care in Cookstown offers services such as counselling and support to people locally suffering from and affected by cancer.
In recent years it has had to embrace delivering some of its services online due to the pandemic.
The group recently received a funding award from Power NI to support its online services, and centre manager Imelda McGucken says while it was a challenge, cancer patients locally have responded well to the approach.
“Through Covid we have had to change and do all of our services remotely, either over the phone or Zoom,” Imelda told MyTyrone.
“Whilst we have now opened in house we have had to continue with the remote work because there are still a lot of people that can’t come to us for various reasons.
“It was something we never would have thought of before Covid, but it has actually been a great service because we now realise that we can reach people who aren’t fit to come to us.”
“Yes it has been a very challenging time through Covid but it has helped us to move our services that wee bit further.”
Katrina Hughes, fundraiser for Charis, said the new equipment provided will be able to ensure counsellors and therapists can help more people.
“A lot of our members are vulnerable and therefore shielding, so to be able to give our therapists and counsellors a means to continue providing services to them will make such a difference,” Katrina said.
“The pandemic has been a really isolating time for our members so it’s crucial that they continue to attend sessions during a time of uncertainty.
“Since the centre opened, we’ve helped over 10,000 people affected by cancer, a figure we’re very proud of, but we know that there are many more in need of support so we’re so grateful for this funding which allows us to help as many people as possible.”
