Staff Profile: Itunu Adebomi, Welfare Officer

Itunu Adebomi is an Irish Cancer Society Welfare Officer. She has been working with the Irish Cancer Society for 3 years. Her role there is to assist the Irish Cancer Society Welfare and Supports Service users with whatever queries or issues they may have. Hers is a calling built on trust, care, and a commitment to supporting her community through some of the most difficult times of their lives. 

“It’s very fulfilling when you know you can be there to support people at a difficult time in their lives."

Whether she’s helping a patient apply for financial aid, connecting someone to a support they desperately need, or supplying a well-needed listening ear, Itunu’s days are full of ever-changing challenges and victories. 

“No two days are the same at all, there’s always a new story here.” 

She works closely with hospitals, social workers, and community groups to ensure that no one is left without the support they need. 

As each case is so unique, Itunu finds herself helping people from all walks of life. The multiple different aspects of Itunu’s work as a Welfare Officer come from the fact that it isn’t just cancer patients who are reaching out to her for help and guidance, but also their friends and family, or anyone who may be affected by cancer.

“You don’t have to be a cancer patient to make use of the services here. Anyone and everyone affected by cancer should reach out to us. We are here to listen and help in any way we can, diagnosis or not.”

Itunu found herself drawn to working as a Welfare Officer after she finished her degree in psychology. She knew she wanted to pursue a career helping people in whatever way she could, and then she found the Irish Cancer Society’s Welfare Officer role. 

“I wanted to find something that made sense to me and would feel like I could actually make real changes to people’s lives. When this role came up, with everything it highlighted, I felt like, ‘Oh my God, this is for me’.

“It can be very rewarding, being able to help people and answer their questions. It can be one of the best feelings ever.”

Itunu spends most of her time at work helping people to organise and prepare for life after a cancer diagnosis, whether it’s the patient themselves or someone close to them. This can involve going through welfare applications, making sense of the financial side of living with cancer and understanding what support systems are in place that may be of use to them. Itunu explains that it is very difficult for people to be able to handle the many things that are thrown at them in the midst of a cancer diagnosis.

“The last thing anyone wants to be doing after chemo treatment is 20 pages of work on social welfare applications. The social welfare system is not exactly direct, and it is quite exhausting.”

Itunu sees the huge difference the Irish Cancer Society’s Welfare and Supports Service makes.

“I am keen to raise awareness so more people know they can access our support services. Often, there’s a fear around cancer that holds people back from engaging with what’s available, but if they knew more, they’d realise there’s actually a lot of support out there. Our aim is to encourage and empower people to feel comfortable reaching out and getting the help they need."

Outside of work, Itunu takes care of herself and stays motivated by taking holidays and painting. She says this keeps her charged up and ready for working again the next day.

“Finding the right balance is key for me. Being able to step away from it all and have my personal life is very important.” 

As part of the Irish Cancer Society team, Itunu is proud to be working towards building a more supportive and caring atmosphere around cancer, helping put people affected by the disease, first. 

“Anyone affected by cancer, whether you’re a social worker, whether you’re diagnosed, whether you’re a family member or friend, everyone should be able to feel like they can contact us and be comfortable contacting us as well.”