Purple House Cancer Support is proud to launch its 2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year of significant growth, impact and innovation as we supported 3,131 people affected by cancer through a wide range of free professional services.
The report highlights a year of increasing demand for cancer support services, expanded programme delivery, strengthened governance and the successful national launch of our Cancer Care at Work initiative, extending Purple House’s impact beyond our community and into workplaces across Ireland.
Supporting More People Than Ever Before
Throughout 2025, Purple House continued its commitment to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Demand for services increased across almost every area of our work, resulting in substantial growth in client engagement and service delivery.
During the year, Purple House delivered:
- 1,171 counselling sessions, representing a 24% increase on 2024.
- 4,018 support calls and client review sessions.
- 1,724 attendances at classes and wellbeing programmes, an increase of 21% compared to the previous year.
- 163 hospital transport journeys, representing an 83% increase in demand.
- Support to 289 new clients accessing Purple House services for the first time.
These figures reflect not only the growing need for cancer support services but also the trust that individuals and families place in Purple House during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Measuring Real Impact
Beyond service numbers, the Annual Report demonstrates the meaningful difference that Purple House services make in people’s lives.
Client outcome surveys revealed:
- 80% of participants reported an improvement in their day-to-day living.
- 79% reported a more positive outlook following engagement with our services.
- 65% reported improved coping skills.
These outcomes highlight the value of holistic support that addresses the emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer Care at Work: A National Milestone
One of the most significant achievements of 2025 was the successful development and national launch of Cancer Care at Work, Purple House’s workplace cancer support programme.
Designed to help employers create more informed, compassionate and supportive workplaces for employees affected by cancer, the initiative was officially launched in Dublin before an audience of more than 200 guests. The programme was subsequently presented to TDs and Senators in Leinster House, helping to elevate the national conversation around cancer, work and survivorship.
The success of Cancer Care at Work has positioned Purple House as a leading voice in workplace cancer support and advocacy, creating opportunities to support people affected by cancer far beyond the walls of our centre.
A Message from Our Founder and CEO
Reflecting on the year, Veronica O’Leary, Founder and CEO of Purple House Cancer Support, said:
“2025 has been a defining year for Purple House. While demand for our services continues to grow, so too does our ability to respond with compassion, professionalism and innovation. We are proud to have supported more than 3,100 people this year while also expanding our national impact through Cancer Care at Work.
This report reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, Board, supporters and community, all of whom play a vital role in ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.”
Strong Governance and Sustainable Growth
Chairperson Josephine Sullivan highlighted the importance of sustainable development and strong governance:
“The figures in this report demonstrate both the scale of need and the trust that individuals and families place in Purple House. The Board remains committed to ensuring that the organisation continues to grow sustainably, maintain the highest governance standards and deliver high-quality support to those who need it most.”
The report outlines continued investment in organisational development throughout the year, including:
- Enhanced communications and community engagement.
- Strengthened governance structures and oversight.
- Improvements to facilities and client spaces.
- Expansion of hospital outreach services.
- Development of a new nutrition-focused kitchen, scheduled to open in 2026.
Looking Forward
Since opening our doors in 1990 as Ireland’s first community-led cancer support centre, Purple House has remained committed to providing free, professional support to individuals and families affected by cancer.
Today, that mission remains as important as ever. As demand continues to grow, so too does our commitment to innovation, excellence and advocacy, ensuring that people affected by cancer receive the support they need at every stage of their journey.
The achievements outlined in the 2025 Annual Report are only possible because of the ongoing support of our staff, volunteers, donors, fundraisers, partners and the wider community. Together, we are helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
View the Full Report
You can download and read the full Purple House Annual Report 2025 here:
