The campaign for truth, justice and acknowledgement for those impacted by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses was born out of the tireless and courageous efforts of victims and survivors who have publically lobbied The Executive Office since 2013 and continue to do so.

Following publication of a Research Report into Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries on 26 January 2021, the Northern Ireland Executive appointed an independent three-person Panel to work alongside victims and survivors of the institutions and their families, to explore options for an investigation/inquiry.

More information on this, including the panel’s Report published on 5 October 2021, can be found here:Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland Truth Recovery Strategy.

The Report includes recommendations for an Integrated Truth Investigation (comprising an expert Independent Panel and a statutory Public inquiry).  Other recommendations relating to redress, support services and access to records are also included.

In line with the recommendation for support services, these have been designed with victim and survivor groups and others to make sure they are survivor-led, accessible and responsive.  We know these services may need to change over time and we look forward to learning and adapting to meet the unique needs of victims and survivors impacted by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses

We will be working with WAVE Trauma Centre and Adopt NI to deliver a range of support and services regionally across NI.  We will also ensure that victims living outside of NI have access to the support and services that they need.  This will include dedicated health and wellbeing caseworkers, counselling, complementary therapies, information recovery & family tracing, disability aids, persistent pain and a range of other social and welfare support.

Contact us

Call us on 028 9031 1678
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Email us at support@vssni.org