Barretstown, Ireland’s leading provider of psychosocial care for seriously ill children and young people, has announced its intention to establish Ireland’s first Psychosocial Clinical Research Hub. The announcement comes as the charity welcomed its 175,000th camper and launched its new strategy, which will expand its remit. It also reflects the organisation’s commitment to guaranteeing psychosocial care is a part of every treatment plan for children and young people in Ireland who are living with cancer and other serious illnesses.
‘Psychosocial care’ is the medical term given to care that addresses the full picture of a young person’s recovery, including their emotional wellbeing, confidence, independence and self-esteem. It is evidence-based, WHO-recognised and government-endorsed healthcare that has been proven to have a profound impact on restoring the lives of seriously ill children and their families. While it is included in the National Cancer Strategy, it is not yet a consistent extension of clinical care for every seriously ill young person and their families in Ireland.
Ireland’s health landscape for those under 25 faces extraordinary challenges. According to the National Cancer Registry Ireland, an average of just under 370 young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Ireland, while almost one-in-five children have a long-standing illness or health problem. This creates additional pressure on young people and families, who need more support.
To provide this support and restore more lives, Barretstown is expanding its work to make psychosocial care the standard across Ireland.
