Cash boost for psycho-oncology service

Mind Matter given £55,000 by IOMACA

A service offering specialist therapy for cancer patients and their families on the Island has been given a £55,000 boost, meaning it will be able to continue throughout the year.

The donation for the psycho-oncology service, provided at the new Mannin Cancer Help Centre by the charity Minds Matter, comes from the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association.

The service sees a qualified therapist offer individually tailored support at any stage of diagnosis or treatment.

Chairman of the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, Malcolm Clague, says “The Association is pleased to be able to provide the additional funding through the Ena Quirk Legacy to enable the support provided by Minds Matter to get up and running for those seeking assistance with their mental well-being through various stages of their cancer journey. 

"Ena Quirk had been a headmistress at the Peel Clothworkers Primary School and considered the well-being of her pupils’ paramount. She would be pleased that her legacy is assisting the provision of such an accessible psycho-oncology service within the Mannin Cancer Help Centre.”

CEO of Minds Matter, Andrea Chambers, says “The roots of our charity, founded in 1983 as The Manx Cancer Help Association, are firmly grounded in offering essential support around mental health and wellbeing for cancer patients and their families. It is an essential service, and we are proud to continue it though Minds Matter, now based at the new Mannin Cancer Help Centre as part of their growing range of support. 

"This donation has been pivotal for us at a time when funding specialist support is always a challenge for charities, and we are extremely grateful to Malcolm Clague and the IOMACA for their ongoing support of our work.”

Referrals for the psycho-oncology service can be made HERE.