This morning President, Michael D Higgins released a statement in response the Mother and Baby Homes report
In it he said the 'Commission of Investigation's final report into Mother and Baby Homes shows how far short Ireland came in fulfilling the promise of a Republic.'
He said the focus now should be on meeting the needs of the survivors and to support them in any way and the country should never forget the pain that was created by "such judgement and deprivation of care".
Agnes O’Connor, who is the clinical co-ordinator with the National Counselling Services for CHO 1 which covers Cavan and Monaghan, spoke to Sheila Naughton about the support services that are now being made available with this in mind, with dedicated numbers for each area in the country.
You can hear the interview here :
Here are a full list of support services as outlined by Agnes:
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
