Purple House Cancer Support was founded by Veronica & Brendan O’Leary in 1990 following their own experience of living with cancer. However, the O’Leary’s experience was very different to the experience anyone who visits Purple House today will have. At that time in Ireland, there was no support services available for families outside of the medical remit. There was nobody, and nowhere to turn to.

So, they changed that. And founded the first Community based Cancer Support Centre in Ireland – Purple House.

“Brendan and I identified the many issues that surround a cancer diagnosis and the family. We felt very strongly that more could be done outside the medical environment that would focus on the emotional aspects of living with cancer, along with practical issues such as transport, home help, childcare and financial concerns. A year later when my own health had improved so dramatically, in February of 1990 I knew what I had to do. I wanted to use our own experience of the previous fourteen years to ensure that no other person suffered the pain and isolation that we had endured. We felt that if we could use our experience to help others then the distress and heartache that we had been through would have been worth something.” – Veronica O’Leary

Purple House is a home for home for families living with cancer. Whether a person is in treatment, finished treatment, or supporting a loved one coping with a cancer diagnosis. Purple House is here to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and complementary therapies. And all are welcome.

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Purple House offers one-on-one counselling sessions to help individuals and families navigate the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.

Purple House has an on-site cancer rehabilitation gym whereby clients can receive cancer rehabilitation, and movement & fitness programmes under the guidance of a chartered physiotherapist.

Weekly support groups are held where individuals with cancer and their loved ones can access a supportive and understanding community. These groups are in place for children, teenagers and adults.

Purple House Cancer Support provides complementary therapies such as massage, reflexology, and acupuncture to help alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments and promote overall wellbeing.

A volunteer transport service is in operation to help patients attend their medical appointments, ensuring they have access to the care they need without the added stress of transportation logistics.

Purple House serves as a hub of information, providing education and access to reliable information on various aspects of cancer treatment and support services.

When someone in need of help, walks through the purple door, our team will meet them with warmth and understanding. We start with a cup of tea and a chat and take it from there.