Emotional Support for Victims and Survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses

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On 26 January 2021, a Research Report into Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries was published.

Alongside the publication, the Northern Ireland Executive announced that an independent investigation would be co-designed with victims and survivors. A three-person Panel was appointed 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. The NI Executive will now consider the Report and its recommendations.

Co-Design of Support and Services with Victims and Survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses

On 21st June 2021, the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) was asked by the Department of Health to commence a co-design process to identify support and services needed for victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland.

If you have been impacted by any of these institutions and would like to help us design support and services, we would like to hear from you.

You can contact us by:
e-mail: codesign@vssni.org
Tel: 028 9031 1678

All discussions will be treated in the strictest confidence.

You can find more information on what the co-design process will involve here.

Information on the ethical framework in place can be found here

A list of updated FAQs can be accessed here

Details on how to provide us with feedback can be found here

Support & Services for Victims and Survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland

We are delighted to announce that the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has recently been appointed by The Executive Office to deliver health and wellbeing support services to those impacted by Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.

From Monday 24th January 2022, support will be available to meet immediate needs in the areas of: persistent pain, disability aids, psychological and social support

Over the coming months, we expect to appoint our community partner(s) to deliver local and easily accessible support and services including dedicated health and wellbeing caseworkers, complementary therapies, information recovery, personal development and welfare support.

We will also ensure that victims living outside of NI have access to the support and services that they need.

For further information or to access the services available now:

Call us on 028 9031 1678

9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Email us at | support@vssni.org