We were delighted to welcome the Community Foundation for NI for a visit as part of the #SeeingIsBelieving tour.
They were joined by donors, trustees and staff from the Department of Health to see the impact of funding first hand.
The delegation came to our Creggan Hub to hear from members, volunteers and staff about the work we do.
The group included DOH Cancer Strategy Unit members who enjoyed our showcase at our busy ‘Hive’ of activity.
It was so moving to hear our members say Hive Cancer Support has been their anchor during their cancer journey.
As our project manager Maureen said: “To hear from members how we have shown light in their darkest times, walked with them, laughed with them, cried with them and sang with them was the most valuable gift of all.”
Our amazing Hive Cancer Support Choir travelled to Belfast to perform live at the launch of Dumb World’s new exhibition at The Mac – Whales, Bats & Anarchy a Journey of Co-Creation.
The choir worked with Brian Irvine to pen their very own song ‘The Buzz’ which features a memorable line about a sausage dog called Lucas- so what else could they get printed on their t-shirts?
After composing & recording the tune they went on to create their very own music video!
We’d like to say a huge thank you to our speakers, stall holders & guests for making our World Cancer Day event at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel such a resounding success!
It was fantastic to engage with people from across Donegal & hear their views on the current cancer services & what the future of cancer support should look like.
These findings are currently being complied into a report that will help inform services going forward.
Thank you to our speakers Dr Donohue of Cancer Care West, Elaine & Olive of Friends of Inishowen Hospice, lymphatic drainage expert Rionagh of the Inishowen Gateway Hotel and Sharon of the Triax ‘Better Together’ Project.
Their unique insight, knowledge and expertise sparked many important conversations in the room.
Our Family Support Team who shared how we help EVERYONE affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Our guests heard presentations from our Male Support Worker Martin, Family Support Worker Sean & Carers Support Worker Edele.
Our Family Support Team is based at our Creggan Hub on 2 Central Drive BT48 9QG.
Hive Cancer Support World Cancer Day Conference, City Hotel, February 2, 2024
We were delighted to host our biggest ever World Cancer Day Conference at the City Hotel on February 2.
This year we decided to do things a little bit differently and ask our speakers to present a poster of their research findings to our guests.
This new approach helped people engage with the topics, ask questions and give immediate feedback to our researchers.
Thank you to our guest speakers- Kaycee Deery of St Mary’s College for her thought provoking research into eco friendly sun cream.
To Dr Pamela Magee for busting some common myths and misconceptions around soya and cancer.
To Dr Carrie Flannagan of Ulster University who presented the findings of the recent collaborative research into the mental health impact of cancer surgery, based on the personal stories of Hive Cancer Support members which inspired the #WeCarryOn mural.
To Professor Cherith Semple who presented on some of the latest cancer research taking place at Ulster University on topics such as the place of sexual wellbeing in cancer care & the unique needs of head & neck cancer patients.
And to Dr Jeff Hannah of Ulster University who presenting the findings of his PHD study findings into the needs of people in end of life cancer care & the important & challenging conversations that must be addressed.
Thank you also to Steve Wright, Vice President of the Fire Brigades Union who presented a poster on the DECON campaign to mitigate contamination in Fire Services nationwide, researcher Helen Lynn of Menstruation Matters who presented a poster aimed at raising awareness about the impacts of toxic chemicals and pesticides used in period products, and Dr Scott Jones, a restoration ecologist who presented a thought provoking presentation on the impacts of UK agricultural air pollution on human health.
The feedback from our guests was really brilliant, including one young student who told us it’s made her want to pursue a career in science!
The conference was the first time the findings of the Ulster University research project, led by Dr Claire McCauley and commissioned by Hive Cancer Support, into the mental health impact of cancer surgery were publicly presented.
And we also premiered a short film into the research process and the resulting creation of the ‘We Carry On’ mural on Derry’s Strand Road by Peaball graffiti collective.
Research Reimagined: Ulster University’s Cancer Research Study with HIVE Support Group Transformed into Vibrant Street Art in Derry~Londonderry
Showcasing key findings using creative art aims to raise awareness of the mental health impact associated with cancer diagnosis and spark conversations around this key issue.
