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CROCUS and CROCUS Mens Den:
A little over 10 years ago the organisation known as Crocus came into existence.
The letters - C R O C U S stand for Cancer Resource Of Caring, Understanding & Support. Crocus is a Peer
Support Group for those living with a cancer diagnosis, who are at different
stages of their journey. A Cancer diagnosis is a traumatic time in a person's
life. Crocus is there to offer support, no matter what stage of this very difficult
journey a person may be at. It is also there to assist those most affected by
their loved ones diagnosis. Crocus offers understanding, support and
confidentiality in a caring and nurturing environment.
Crocus has available a wide range of complimentary therapies and support
programmes, which are available at various times throughout the year, such
as: Tai Chi; Yoga/Pilates; Meditation; Art; Informative Talks; Counselling
Services; Complimentary Therapies e.g. Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatherphy Massage, Indian Head Massage,
Acupuncture. These services are available free of charge and can be availed of by family
members. Regular clinics are held throughout the year, which include Wig Fitting, Bra
and Breast Prosthethic Fitting. Due to Covid restriction during the past 20 months or so
some of these services were curtailed especially the group therapies.
Calling in to the Centre for a chat and a cuppa is always welcome and talking to
someone who has gone through, or is going through, a similar programme of treatment
can be soothing and relaxing for mind and body.
Originally Crocus was set up by a number of ladies but gradually and more recently
men have begun using the services available. For some the group meetings were
uncomfortable as men did not like to talk about their problems to a group of ladies and
vice versa, so some men got together and decided to set up a group for men, which has
become Crocus Mens Den. Some activity can be shared while other group activity will
be for the ladies or the men. The Mens Den was growing in numbers prior to Covid and
contact has been maintained with members individually. Group meetings are again
organised with more and more men becoming interested and availing of the services.
Any person who wishes to chat to a member, or to arrange a Therapy, need only lift the
phone and we give you the numbers on our Notice here. The Crocus Centre contacts
are: Crocus Centre, 19 The Grange, Plantation Walk, Monaghan ( half way up the Hill from old Railway station to
Hospital gates you turn to the right.) 087 3680965; 00353 47 62565; crocusmonaghan@gmail.com;
crocusmensden@gmail.com; 0871820079.
On a personal note: I attended Crocus when I got my diagnosis of Cancer and found it very helpful in dealing with
the various ups and downs during treatment. As a result I have continued to attend and make myself available
since then and I also encourage others to avail of the services offered by Crocus. I am also anxious to get men to
take action as soon as they suspect that something in their bodies is not right as there is a greater chance of
successful treatment if the problem is diagnosed early. I also advise men to have their bloods checked at least
every two years, or every year if possible. That can show up a problem which you may not be aware of.
So who pays or all this? Crocus depends completely on donations and fund-raising events and indeed the public
have been extremely generous over the years. If you can help in any way it will be very much appreciated.
Crocus, due to the generosity of the public, has purchased a Car, which is being used to transport members to
appointments and treatment centres, when they require assistance, as trying to organise transport can be very
difficult for some. An Open Day was held on Tuesday June 14th and big crowds attended and were given a walk
around and they were informed as to the services available. Many expressed surprise as they were unaware of the
work being done at Crocus and the benefits and support it brings to cancer sufferers. If you or a member of your
family were to get a cancer diagnosis do not hesitate to get in touch with Crocus and use the services.