The Irish Cancer Society’s Peer Support Network offers one-to-one support from people who have themselves received a cancer diagnosis.

Our wonderful network of peer support volunteers are still on hand to provide support during coronavirus. Many of them are cocooning due to their treatment history, and others have some experience with self-isolating to protect their health so they really understand what people are going through at the moment.

Gerard Ingoldsby, one of our volunteers, said, “The coronavirus has changed all our lives in so many ways, but thankfully it has not affected my role as a Peer Support Volunteer.

“In fact, it is probably even more important now during these extraordinary times. So rest assured, I am still here, just a phone call away, ready to help and support anyone who may be struggling as a result of cancer at this time, especially due to the impact of the coronavirus restrictions including self-isolation and cocooning”.

Meanwhile, another of our volunteers, breast cancer survivor Caitriona Plunkett, has experience of isolating.

“I know how hard it can be to self-isolate, but I’ve done it before while going through treatment for breast cancer to best protect myself,” she said.

“Now, I'm not just doing it to protect myself: I'm doing it to protect everybody I possibly can. It can be a lonely and frightening time when going through cancer, but please know, you are not alone. There is a network of people like me who have gone through cancer and are there to listen and chat with you.”

It can really helpful for people to connect with others who share similar life experiences and while everyone’s journey is different that is still as true in the current climate as ever.

Our volunteers are carefully selected and undergo extensive training.

They are on hand to offer emotional support, practical information and reassurance when you need it most.

You can get support if you're facing a possible diagnosis, if you've been recently diagnosed or if you're dealing with the side effects of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.

How to get in touch with a volunteer

Our Support Line is available seven days a week on Freephone 1800 200 700 and you can contact us to discuss getting in touch with a volunteer.