You’ll Always Find Me In The Nutritional Kitchen At Purple House

None purpler…

atest press release from Purple House in sunny Bray, issued on Tuesday, June 30th 2026…

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Caroline Winstanley has officially opened the new Purple House Nutritional Kitchen in Bray.

This new kitchen represents an important expansion of Purple House’s holistic support services, as the facility will enable the organisation to provide practical, evidence-informed nutritional guidance, cooking demonstrations, and supportive workshops designed specifically for people living with and beyond cancer.

Importantly, the kitchen is equipped with integrated telehealth technology, allowing individuals to participate remotely in programmes and workshops from their own homes or even from a hospital bed. This innovation ensures that those who are too unwell to travel, or living at a distance, can still access nutritional support and remain connected to the Purple House community.

Purple House Cancer Support, founded in 1990, is Ireland’s first cancer support centre and has been at the forefront of community-based cancer care for over three decades. The organisation offers a wide range of services including counselling, psychotherapy, physiotherapy and exercise programmes, complementary therapies, education, and wellness programmes, all delivered in a safe, welcoming and non-clinical environment.

The addition of the Nutritional Kitchen reflects growing recognition of the role nutrition plays in supporting wellbeing during and after cancer treatment. This new space will enhance Purple House’s ability to deliver tailored programmes that empower individuals with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to support their health.

This project was made possible due to a Community Recognition Fund 2024 grant from the Department of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Purple House would like to acknowledge and thank the department for this grant.

Speaking ahead of the event, Conor O’Leary, Director of Operations at Purple House, said: “This kitchen is not just a room, it is a space for connection, learning, and healing. We know that for people going through cancer, nutrition can become confusing, overwhelming, and at times deeply challenging, particularly when appetite, taste, and energy levels are affected by treatment.

“This space allows us to provide compassionate, practical guidance that meets people exactly where they are, helping them rebuild confidence with food, support their bodies through treatment and recovery, and feel more in control at a time when so much can feel uncertain.

“By integrating telehealth technology, we are ensuring that no one is excluded from accessing that support, regardless of where they are or how unwell they may be. Whether someone is at home, in hospital, or recovering at a distance, they can still be part of this community, still learn, and still feel supported. Ultimately, this kitchen is about dignity, empowerment, and reminding people that they are not alone in their journey.

“We are also deeply grateful to the many partners and individuals who helped bring this vision to life, with special thanks to Elaine Jerrard and the team at Elk House Interiors, Wired Electrical Services, Willie Van Velzen, Onovo Design, KBR Kitchens, and Baysbury Design for their expertise, generosity, and commitment to creating this welcoming and transformative space.”

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Caroline Winstanley says, “The Nutritional Kitchen represents so much more than a new room or a new piece of equipment. For anyone who has gone through cancer treatment, or supported someone who has, something as simple as eating can become one of the toughest parts of the journey. Taste changes and appetite disappears. Treatment side effects make food feel like one more battle.

“This kitchen exists to meet that battle with expertise, compassion, and community.”

Dr. Mary Flynn, Dietician at Purple House added: “The people who come to me at Purple House all want evidence-based information about food and nutrition – practical advice about everyday food and meals that they can trust. They tell me how such information is difficult to find and how a simple Google search for information about food, nutrition and cancer results in millions of hits. Some sites promote miracle foods, others promise cures and involve purchasing a range of supplements.

“Also, misinformation about food and diet is common on social media. The Nutritional Kitchen at Purple House will be all about opportunities to ask questions and discuss food and diet in a two-way conversation with a Registered Dietitian. These kitchen-based programs will fill a huge need and highlight the many different ways people can enjoy food, rebuild strength and meet all their nutritional needs after cancer.

“In addition to nutrition the massive importance of food safety for people affected by cancer will be an integral part of all kitchen- based activities. This is due to the need to protect people undergoing and recovering from cancer treatment as this greatly reduces the immune system and increases vulnerability to food-borne diseases.“

You can find out more about Purple House Cancer Support here, get in touch on 012866966 or email [email protected], follow on Instagram here or Ye Olde Facebook here, and donate right here.