Menu
01/12/2020
New Support Measures For Survivors Of Historical Institutional Abuse
A range of support measures for survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse has been announced by First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
The dedicated measures - including health and wellbeing, social support and related services for victims and survivors of HIA - will be delivered by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).
Making the announcement, First Minister Arlene Foster said: "Today marks a further step in the implementation of the Hart recommendations. It follows the opening of the Redress Scheme earlier this year, and the appointment of Fiona Ryan as Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, who will take up office on 14 December.
"The new service will offer dedicated health and wellbeing caseworkers; talking therapies; welfare support; drop-in and social support; and, when COVID restrictions allow, complementary therapies. I commend all those involved in this important step."
The deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill added: "Historical Institutional Abuse has left a legacy of untold physical and emotional damage in our society. We cannot undo the wrongs of the past, but we will do what we can to address the impact of that damage.
"These services are an important step, and I acknowledge the collaborative effort involved by the Victims and Survivors Service and the HIA Interim Advocate.
"Victims and survivors themselves have contributed to the design of these services and will contribute to their ongoing development. It is they who remain at the centre of our efforts."
The new package builds on a range of services that have been available to HIA victims and survivors, both during the HIA Inquiry and since. These have included counselling, advice, and an interim service for psychological therapies and emotional support put in place earlier this year.
They will be co-ordinated by a central Health and Wellbeing team based within the VSS in Belfast and will be delivered in a range of locations here as well as further afield.
Chief Executive of the VSS, Margaret Bateson said: "We welcome the launch of this much needed service for survivors of HIA. Over the last number of months, we have had the privilege to engage with survivors of HIA to ensure that this service has been co-designed and led by them. We will continue to listen, learn and adapt as these services are rolled out.
"Our dedicated HIA staff in VSS will work with our community partner to ensure survivors are supported, empowered and get access to the health and wellbeing support and services that they need.
"The range of support and services available will include psychological therapies, personal and professional development, complementary therapies, health and wellbeing caseworker support, welfare support, outreach and befriending, disability aids and management of persistent pain."
The VSS will also work with the new Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Abuse (COSICA) and the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Board.
The dedicated measures - including health and wellbeing, social support and related services for victims and survivors of HIA - will be delivered by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).
Making the announcement, First Minister Arlene Foster said: "Today marks a further step in the implementation of the Hart recommendations. It follows the opening of the Redress Scheme earlier this year, and the appointment of Fiona Ryan as Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, who will take up office on 14 December.
"The new service will offer dedicated health and wellbeing caseworkers; talking therapies; welfare support; drop-in and social support; and, when COVID restrictions allow, complementary therapies. I commend all those involved in this important step."
The deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill added: "Historical Institutional Abuse has left a legacy of untold physical and emotional damage in our society. We cannot undo the wrongs of the past, but we will do what we can to address the impact of that damage.
"These services are an important step, and I acknowledge the collaborative effort involved by the Victims and Survivors Service and the HIA Interim Advocate.
"Victims and survivors themselves have contributed to the design of these services and will contribute to their ongoing development. It is they who remain at the centre of our efforts."
The new package builds on a range of services that have been available to HIA victims and survivors, both during the HIA Inquiry and since. These have included counselling, advice, and an interim service for psychological therapies and emotional support put in place earlier this year.
They will be co-ordinated by a central Health and Wellbeing team based within the VSS in Belfast and will be delivered in a range of locations here as well as further afield.
Chief Executive of the VSS, Margaret Bateson said: "We welcome the launch of this much needed service for survivors of HIA. Over the last number of months, we have had the privilege to engage with survivors of HIA to ensure that this service has been co-designed and led by them. We will continue to listen, learn and adapt as these services are rolled out.
"Our dedicated HIA staff in VSS will work with our community partner to ensure survivors are supported, empowered and get access to the health and wellbeing support and services that they need.
"The range of support and services available will include psychological therapies, personal and professional development, complementary therapies, health and wellbeing caseworker support, welfare support, outreach and befriending, disability aids and management of persistent pain."
The VSS will also work with the new Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Abuse (COSICA) and the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Board.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2023
New Campaign To Raise Awareness Of Support For Abuse Survivors
A new campaign to raise awareness of the support, services and redress available for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, has been launched by the Executive Office. The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry made several recommendations including the establishment of support services and a financial compensation process.
New Campaign To Raise Awareness Of Support For Abuse Survivors
A new campaign to raise awareness of the support, services and redress available for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, has been launched by the Executive Office. The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry made several recommendations including the establishment of support services and a financial compensation process.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
28 April 2003
Minister announces £1.5m 'Troubles' funding
Victims Minister Des Browne has announced funding of over £1.5 million towards victims and survivors of Northern Ireland's 'Troubles'. The money will be taken from the Victims Strategy Implementation Fund and go towards numerous projects which work with sufferers of the conflict.
Minister announces £1.5m 'Troubles' funding
Victims Minister Des Browne has announced funding of over £1.5 million towards victims and survivors of Northern Ireland's 'Troubles'. The money will be taken from the Victims Strategy Implementation Fund and go towards numerous projects which work with sufferers of the conflict.
20 February 2020
Graduate Opportunities Launched In The North West
A financial services company is offering 20 local graduates the opportunity to embark on a new career. The roles with FinTrU, based in the North West, are supported by the Department for the Economy.
Graduate Opportunities Launched In The North West
A financial services company is offering 20 local graduates the opportunity to embark on a new career. The roles with FinTrU, based in the North West, are supported by the Department for the Economy.
24 January 2017
Financial Services Firm To Create 160 New Jobs In Belfast
A financial services firm based in London is to create 160 new jobs in Belfast. FinTru confirmed it is expanding its Belfast centre of excellence and is to recruit 60 experienced roles and 100 graduate roles over the next five years.
Financial Services Firm To Create 160 New Jobs In Belfast
A financial services firm based in London is to create 160 new jobs in Belfast. FinTru confirmed it is expanding its Belfast centre of excellence and is to recruit 60 experienced roles and 100 graduate roles over the next five years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
