A support group for those who have had a cancer diagnosis in Co Fermanagh will open its new premises on Monday.
SWELL (Supported, We Live Well) will open its own doors for the first time at 26 Cross Street in Enniskillen, offering a variety of services to those who have been affected by cancer.
The group was originally founded in 2018 after local cancer survivors Genevieve Irvine and Lorraine Lily recognised a need for more local services in Co Fermanagh.
Up to now however, the group had been operating off the goodwill of local community organisations to host events.
“It’ll just make such a difference. Because Lorraine and myself have walked this path, we know what we would have liked at the time and we just wanted to provide that service down here,” Genevieve told MyFermanagh.
“It’s always been our vision to have our own premises and to provide these services so we’re really excited but we’re nervous at the same time.
“We’re two cancer patients ourselves who just knew a change had to happen and services had to come here and the only way we were going to get them was to do it ourselves.
“It’s been a long road but we want to run before we can walk because we see the desperate need for them.”
Among the services that the Cancer Support Centre will offer will be counselling sessions, complimentary therapies, exercise classes and even a choir.
Genevieve added the group would need the support of the local community in Co Fermanagh in order to sustain their services in the long run.
“We’re just hoping that the local community will come behind us and back us and help us," she said.
“We obviously apply for funding and so far we’ve been successful, but to keep these services going we will definitely need the community and Fermanagh people are extremely generous.
“When they know about us and what we’re trying to do, they will definitely come on board.”
