Survivors of Mother and Baby Homes have been encouraged to "take the difficult first step" in seeking counselling.
The National Counselling Service provides free counselling and psychotherapy to people who have experienced psychological difficulties after spending time in institutions.
Agnes O'Connor is the Clinical Co-Ordinator of the National Counselling Service for the CHO 1 and she says the service is also provided to the family of survivors.
She says the stories that have come out from the report into Mother and Baby Homes have been "harrowing", adding that we need to be conscious of the people who have been impacted by the homes.
Ms O'Connor told Northern Sound that now is a time for "healing and compassion" and explained what happens when a person "takes that first step":
A list of support options can be viewed below:
- NCS Local Offices: Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
CHO Area 1
Phone: 1800 234 119 - Support Options:
National Counselling Service– NCS has 20 years of experience in providing counselling and psychotherapy. Priority appointments will be offered to former residents of Mother & Baby homes which will be free of charge. - Connect Counselling: A free telephone support service which is anonymous.
Freephone: 1800 477 477 (This service is funded by the HSE and free to former residents of Mother & Baby Home).
UK and Northern Ireland Residents can contact Connect by phoning: 00800 477 477 77.
- Counselling in the UK is provided by Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP) a counselling and psychotherapy service for survivors of institutional abuse available to survivors living in Britain.
- ICAP is a HSE funded service and is provided free of charge. ICAP have many years of experience providing psychotherapy to adult survivors of institutional abuse and their families. Phone: 020 7272 7906; Email:[email protected]
Information & Signposting
HSE.ie: A dedicated information page about the National Counselling Service including details on how to access the service and contact details.
Visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/contact-the-hse/contact-the-hse.html
The HSE Live: The team have been briefed and are available to provide information on supports and assistance with referrals
Phone: 1850 24 185 (Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm. Sat 10am to 5pm)
YourMentalHealth Information Line: Additional signposting to all available supports will be provided by the team
Freephone: 1800 111 888– 24/7
