Victims and Survivors Service
The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has a service dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of survivors of non-recent/historical institutional abuse.
VSS is working in partnership with WAVE Trauma Centre and Advice NI to deliver a range of supports and services regionally across Northern Ireland. They will also ensure that survivors who are now living outside Northern Ireland have access to the supports and services that they need.
Support Available
The Victims and Survivors Service offers support and assistance in the following areas:
- Health and wellbeing, including pain management, disability aids, complementary therapies and psychological supports
- Welfare advice and assistance, as well as help engaging with other agencies
- Social support, including social activities and befriending
- Personal development, including education and training opportunities or life coaching
- Records searches and information recovery relating to time in care as a child
This service can be accessed from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, by phoning 028 9031 1678 or emailing hiaenquiries@vssni.org. Further information can be found here.
The Commissioner’s Office will review, monitor and support VSS in providing the best possible services to survivors of non-recent/historical institutional child abuse.
Wave Trauma Centre
The services above may be delivered through WAVE Trauma Centre. Victims and survivors can contact WAVE directly to access their services.
You can contact WAVE at:
- Ballymoney: 028 2766 9900
- Armagh: 028 3751 1599
- Belfast: 028 9077 9922
- Derry/Londonderry: 028 7126 6655
- Omagh: 028 8225 2522