About Sláinte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support

Sláinte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support is a community-based cancer support organisation founded in 2010 in Kilnamona, County Clare, Ireland. Clare Cancer Support provides free psychological, social and emotional support for people living with cancer, their families and friends, in a safe, positive, caring and confidential environment. The HSE National Advocacy Unit recognises Clare Cancer Support as a high quality model of person-centred community-based cancer support.

What is the Mission of Clare Cancer Support?

Clare Cancer Support's mission is to provide support for all people living with cancer — including families and friends — in a safe, positive, caring and confidential environment. One in three people in Ireland will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lifetime. Clare Cancer Support exists to ensure that no one in County Clare has to face cancer alone.

All services provided by Clare Cancer Support are completely free of charge. The centre operates as a "home from home" where people affected by cancer are always welcome to drop in for a cup of tea, a chat, and genuine human support.

What is the History of Clare Cancer Support?

How Was Clare Cancer Support Founded? (2010)

Clare Cancer Support was established in 2010 to address the need for community-based cancer support in County Clare. The organisation recognised that dramatic improvements in cancer survival rates meant more people were living with and beyond cancer, and that these individuals, their carers and families needed accessible local support to resume as normal a life as possible following cancer treatment.

The centre opened its doors at Tír Mhuire, Leckaun East, Kilnamona, near Ennis, with a second location in Raheen, East Clare. From the beginning, Clare Cancer Support was built on the principle that cancer care extends far beyond the hospital — it requires psychological, social and emotional support within the community where people live.

How Did the HSE Recognise Clare Cancer Support? (2013)

In June 2013, the HSE National Advocacy Unit formally announced its support for Clare Cancer Support in developing as a high quality model of person-centred community-based cancer support. Mr. Greg Price, National HSE Director of Advocacy, visited the Clare Cancer Support Centre on 12 June 2013.

Mr. Price stated that "community-based groups such as Sláinte an Chláir, Clare Cancer Support are important partners in achieving the goal of the National Healthcare Charter at local levels." He outlined three quality development initiatives:

  1. Advocacy Support — developing capacity to capture and manage people's experiences of cancer and health services through the HSE "Your Service Your Say" policy.
  2. Partnership Working — fostering working relationships between Clare Cancer Support, healthcare providers, and other service providers in the region.
  3. Sustainability — developing robust business plans for the long-term sustainability of person-centred community-based cancer support in Clare.

Research over 25 years demonstrates that community-based support groups are an effective method in helping people cope with cancer, reducing depression and anxiety levels, and increasing quality of life. The HSE partnership validates Clare Cancer Support's role in this evidence base.

How Has Clare Cancer Support Evolved Online? (2021–Present)

Clare Cancer Support has expanded its reach online to provide cancer information, prevention guidance, and wellness resources to a broader audience. The organisation continues its founding mission while making evidence-based health information accessible to anyone seeking support — whether they are in County Clare or anywhere in the world.

The online presence builds on Clare Cancer Support's heritage of compassionate, person-centred care. Cancer education pages provide factual information about breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Prevention and wellness content bridges the gap between cancer awareness and practical steps people can take to support their overall health and wellbeing.

What Services Does Clare Cancer Support Provide?

  • Drop-in Cancer Support Centre — a "home from home" where people affected by cancer can find warmth, tea, and genuine human connection
  • Psychological, Social and Emotional Support — professional support for people living with cancer, their families and friends
  • Cancer Man to Man — a dedicated support group for men affected by cancer
  • Cancer Information Days — annual events featuring presentations from medical professionals on breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, mental health, and urology
  • Annual Healing Mass — held at Kilnamona Church, celebrating the community and those on their cancer journey
  • Cancer Research Participation — facilitating community involvement in prostate cancer research studies
  • Healthy Eating Information — nutrition resources aligned with HSE and FSAI guidelines
  • Mental Health Support — presentations and resources addressing the psychological impact of cancer
  • Online Cancer Information — educational resources on breast, cervical, ovarian, melanoma, and prostate cancer
  • Wellness and Prevention Resources — evidence-informed prevention guidance and wellness product recommendations

All services are provided completely free of charge.

Where is Clare Cancer Support Located?

Clare Cancer Support operates from two locations in County Clare:

Kilnamona Centre (Main)
Tír Mhuire, Leckaun East, Kilnamona, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 RF4W
Open: Tuesday & Thursday, 10am – 3pm
Other times by appointment

Raheen, East Clare
Open: Wednesday, 10am – 3pm

Email: admin@clarecancersupport.com
Directions: How to find us

What Do People Say About Clare Cancer Support?

Members of Clare Cancer Support shared their experiences during the HSE National Advocacy Unit visit in 2013:

"Sláinte an Chláir has it just right... the heart of the centre is the kitchen and the table — always welcome, cup of tea" — Theresa
"A little piece of heaven" — Anne
"A home from home" — Marie
"A piece of sunshine on a dark day" — Caroline
"A ray of hope in times of darkness" — Teresa
"When the day seems dark always a smile, support and a chat" — Margaret
"The peace, tranquillity and friendliness in itself a tonic to me" — Mary
"The centre enables men to gather together and enjoy a cup of tea while talking about any subject and sometimes our illness and treatment come up" — Thomas
"During and after the medical stuff men need support too and a bit of craic. Join us at Cancer Man to Man when misery isn't the order of the day" — Tony

How Does Clare Cancer Support Review Wellness Products?

Clare Cancer Support provides wellness product recommendations as a service to our community. Product recommendations follow these principles:

  1. Evidence-informed selection. Products are selected based on published research and established health guidelines, not trends or marketing claims.
  2. Wellness focus only. Clare Cancer Support recommends general wellness products — supplements, sun protection, fitness equipment, mental health tools. We never recommend products claiming to treat, cure, or prevent cancer.
  3. Independence. Affiliate relationships do not influence product selection. Our recommendations serve our community first.
  4. Full disclosure. When a purchase is made through a link on this site, Clare Cancer Support may earn a small commission at no additional cost to the buyer. Revenue supports the continued provision of free cancer support services and educational content. See our full affiliate disclosure.

How Does Clare Cancer Support Ensure Medical Accuracy?

Cancer information published by Clare Cancer Support is sourced from established medical organisations and health authorities including the HSE, the Irish Cancer Society, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, and CervicalCheck. All cancer education content carries a clear disclaimer that it is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.

Clare Cancer Support encourages every reader to consult their GP, oncologist, or qualified healthcare provider for medical questions. The organisation does not provide medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations.

How Does Clare Cancer Support Protect Content Integrity?

  • Cancer information pages contain zero affiliate links — education is never monetised
  • Wellness product recommendations are clearly separated from cancer information content
  • All affiliate relationships are disclosed transparently
  • Health claims require citation from established medical sources
  • Content is reviewed regularly and updated when medical guidance changes
  • The organisation complies with GDPR and EU consumer protection regulations

How to Contact Clare Cancer Support?

For questions about cancer support services, wellness recommendations, or content on this site, visit the contact page or reach us directly:

Explore Clare Cancer Support resources: