A diagnosis of cancer in a parent is a very frightening time for a child. However, a new support programme aims to help children in this position.

The CLIMB (Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery) programme is aimed at children aged between five and 11 years and is run by ARC Cancer Support Centres.

ARC is a Dublin-based charity that offers support to men and women affected by cancer and their carers. This includes psychological support and complementary treatments. Until now, it has provided services to adults, including the parents of children with cancer. This marks the first time it will be offering its services directly to children.

"Cancer has a huge impact on everyone but the focus of medical professionals and family members can often, of necessity, be on supporting the person diagnosed with cancer and children can sometimes feel left behind. It can be hard for children to know where to turn, how to express their feelings, or who to talk to," explained ARC manager, Deirdre Grant.

She said that children on the programme will learn that being sad, angry and frightened are all normal feelings when dealing with this issue.

Meanwhile, according to programme facilitator, Emer Shanley, it is essential that anyone dealing with a cancer diagnosis ‘has all the psychological support that they need', so that they can be honest about how they are feeling.

"The same goes for children. They too need emotional and practical support to help them to deal with a cancer diagnosis within their families. This programme helps them to understand cancer and to develop coping skills to handle feelings that might otherwise overwhelm," she pointed out.

She explained that the programme will use drama and art ‘to enable complex feelings to be expressed'.

"It is also based around having some fun together and meeting new people going through the same experience," she added.

The six-week programme is due to begin on April 22 at ARC's centre on the South Circular Road and on April 30 at its Eccles Street centre. Further programmes will take place later in the year. Over the course of the six weeks, children will meet up on a weekly basis.

The CLIMB programme is free of charge. If you are interested in registering a child, contact the South Circular Road Centre on (01) 707 8880 or the Eccles Street Centre on (01) 8307 333.

For more information on ARC, click here