Purple House launches cancer-support training course
A new online training course to help HR professionals and managers support employees undergoing a cancer diagnosis or treatment has been launched today (9 December) by Purple House Cancer Support, a leading cancer support organisation in Ireland, with support from Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company.
The course is part of the Cancer Care at Work initiative, which was developed to provide a framework enabling employers and businesses to establish policies and support systems for employees who receive a cancer diagnosis or are caring for a loved one undergoing treatment
The new course, created by Melissa Stone of Stone Executive Consulting in partnership with Purple House, is part of the Cancer Care at Work initiative, launched earlier this year alongside Core.
The training is designed to equip HR professionals and managers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate one of the most sensitive workplace conversations in a professional and empathetic manner.
There will also be two additional training sessions designed specifically for colleagues, with a key focus on how to support a co-worker following a cancer diagnosis or during treatment and recovery.
Designed for businesses of all sizes, the training combines prerecorded videos with practical resources to help employers respond with compassion while meeting their legal obligations.
Modules specifically designed for managers and HR professionals aim to build awareness and understanding, while also providing a practical toolkit that can be applied in real-world workplace situations.
Participants will gain insights into:
- Handling the initial conversation with an employee following disclosure of a cancer diagnosis
- Understanding how best to support an employee at all stages of their cancer journey
- Employer responsibilities regarding legal requirements, such as reasonable accommodations
- Supporting an employee on their return to work after treatment
- Supporting the wider team when a colleague is impacted by cancer
- The course content is approximately 90 minutes and is hosted on an external Learning Management System (LMS). It also carries three CPD points, offering professional development recognition alongside vital training.
The course is part of the Cancer Care at Work initiative, which was developed to provide a framework enabling employers and businesses to establish policies and support systems for employees who receive a cancer diagnosis or are caring for a loved one undergoing treatment.
While 88% of employees believe that having a workplace cancer policy is important, only 19% report that their company currently has one, highlighting a significant gap between employee expectations and existing workplace support.
Employers and HR professionals can sign up for the training here – www.cancercareatwork.com
Bobby Kerr, broadcaster, entrepreneur, businessman and cancer survivor, says: “As employers, we have a real opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives when it matters most.
“When someone in your team is diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to know what to say or do – that’s why this training is so important.
“It gives managers the confidence and tools to respond with empathy and understanding, and to build workplaces that truly care.”
Conor O’Leary, psychotherapist & director of operations at Purple House Cancer Support added: ‘We are delighted to take Cancer Care at Work to the next stage with the launch of our nationwide training portal, which will ensure that cancer patients in employment all across Ireland will receive the support, flexibility and accommodations necessary to continue working while living with cancer.
“I believe this is a very progressive and positive step forward in the overall care of cancer patients in Ireland and we look forward to working with employers as they join us on this exciting journey ahead.”
Melissa Stone, executive career coach and HR director at Stone Executive Consulting, says: “I’m delighted to partner with Purple House to create the Cancer Care at Work training programme.
“For too long, managers and colleagues have wanted to do the right thing when someone is affected by cancer, but haven’t known what to say or how to best support them.
“This training gives everyone the practical tools, language and confidence they need to respond with compassion, stay on the right side of employment law, and create a workplace where people feel genuinely seen and supported”
