CLIMB is a programme for children aged 5 – 12 who are experiencing the impact of a parent, significant other adult, brother or sister’s cancer diagnosis.

CLIMB is run over six weeks and the groups run in the evenings so as not to disrupt school attendance.  It’s an enjoyable, sharing, interactive experience and a time for the children to come together to deal with their feelings.  Throughout the programme the children will develop an understanding of cancer and from this understanding the myths and fears that children can hold about cancer will be dispelled.  The groups are creative, using drama and arts; they are also based around having some fun together and meeting new friends. Parents are invited to stay for a cup of tea, conversation and receive support for themselves while the children play. CLIMB stands for - Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery.

Tuam Cancer Care Centre is the first support centre in the Republic of Ireland to offer the CLIMB programme. The launch of this programme marks an important landmark in service development for the Group as Tuam Cancer Care identified that children’s needs were not being met when they had a parent or a significant other diagnosed with cancer.

‘When a close adult relative, such as a parent or aunt or grandparent, is diagnosed with cancer if affects the entire family. All of a sudden people are acting strangely, there’s something going on, but the child doesn’t really know what.  Children can feel very isolated.  There is a tendency to shield them from what’s going on but this can actually hurt them.  The main thing is to reassure them that what is happening is not their fault and to remind them of everyone who loves them’.

Ten support volunteer from Tuam Cancer Care are qualified to facilitate the CLIMB Programme. These volunteers were trained by Rachel Smith, Family Support Worker and Drama Therapist from the Ulster Cancer Foundation, who received her training from the Tree House Foundation in America. Rachel is responsible for pioneering CLIMB in Northern Ireland.

The next CLIMB Programme will commence on:

Wednesday, May 4th from 5pm – 6.30pm and will run each Wednesday for 6 weeks  in Tuam Cancer Care’s new Centre which is located just on the outskirts of Tuam, in Cricket Court on the Dunmore Road (opposite Pulse).

The CLIMB Programme is free of charge.

Please contact Tuam Cancer Care Centre if you feel your child or children may benefit from this programme or if you would like more information on the CLIMB Programme.

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