Parental Alienation

WHILE Covid-19 restrictions will be eased for the festive season, some families still won’t be able to reunite during what’s already a tough time for many.

After the global pandemic shook the world and changed everyday life for all of us, there was a huge rise in call outs for support across Ireland.

The number of people seeking mental health help from the HSE more than doubled in March when the first wave of Covid-19 hit.

Now emerging from the second wave some people ar looking forward to Christmas, but for others this too can be a tough time of year.

Always remember though, there is support out there if you need it.

Face-to-face services are limited at the moment due to public health guidelines but a number of services are providing online and phone services.

Here’s ten great charities working to help the vulnerable in Ireland this Christmas and how to contact them.

SAMARITANS

Samaritans Ireland offers emotional support to anyone in distress or struggling to cope.

Every seven seconds, the service respond to a call for help with no judgement and no pressure.

They promise to be there “for anyone who needs someone.”

Their mission is “working together to make sure fewer people die by suicide”.

Samaritans freephone is 116 123 and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

www.samaritans.org

ALONE

ALONE have a Covid-19 support line for older people.

Their Support & Befriending service provides companionship to older people who would like extra social contact through a weekly volunteer visit or telephone call.

Their Coordinated Support service provides practical support and coordinates services for and with older people to address challenges and to find solutions.

The service offers help with financial and pension difficulties, support engagement with local events and activities, access housing grant and help to navigate the healthcare system among others .

Phone 0818 222 024 available 8am to 8pm everyday.

alone.ie

BARNARDOS

Barnardos offer a telephone support for parents in response to the challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Their mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences.

They have rapidly adapted their services to children and families since the coronavirus crisis began.

They are currently working with over 1,700 families who require critical and intensive support.

Freephone 1800 910 123 from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

barnardos.ie

CHILDLINE (ISPCC)

Childline is Ireland’s 24-hour national listening service for young people up to the age of 18.

Children can talk with Childline in confidence, about anything that might be on their mind without judgement.

They say: “We’re there to listen and we’ll help you to figure out the best solution for you.”

Childline try to empower, support and protect young people every day. You don’t have to have a problem to talk to Childline.

Freephone 1800 666 666 any time, or text 50101 from 10am to 4pm every day.

childline.ie

WOMEN’S AID

The Women’s Aid helpline offers confidential information, support and understanding to women in Ireland who are being abused by current or former boyfriends, partners or husbands.

The service also supports family members, friends, and professionals who have concerns about a person, they know or are working with, who might be experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

The helpline aims to empower women to identify what is happening for them within their relationship and support them to stay safe and support the safety of any children living within the relationship.

It aims to at all times ensure that the responsibility for the abuse is placed firmly with the perpetrator of the abuse and not with the woman.

Free phone is 1800 341 900, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

www.womensaid.ie

MEN’S AID IRELAND

One in seven men in Ireland experience domestic abuse, including non visible abuse such as coercive control or parental alienation.

Men’s Aid Ireland formerly known as Amen, is the only dedicated national service supporting men and their families experiencing Domestic Violence in Ireland.

Their professional and qualified support team have years of experience in supporting men and families experiencing domestic abuse.

They offer a confidential helpline, legal clinic, one to one practical support, court accompaniment and outreach clinics.

Helpline phone is 01 554 3811.

www.mensaid.ie

JIGSAW

Jigsaw offer a listening ear and give expert mental health advice and support, online and in person, to young people across Ireland aged 12-25 years.

They offer online mental health support to young people, parents, and those who work with young people.

You can find expert information, practical advice, workshops and online courses created by Jigsaw clinicians and youth volunteers on their site.

Free phone is 1800 544729 1pm to 5pm Monday to Friday or text CALL ME to 086 180 3880 with your preferred day and time for a call.

www.jigsaw.ie

PIETA HOUSE

Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide.

All of their services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.

Since opening in 2006 they have seen and helped over 58,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm.

They now operate fifteen centres and five outreach service across Ireland and employ over 200 therapists and administration staff

Free phone is 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444

www.pieta.ie

DUBLIN RAPE CRISIS CENTRE

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a national organisation offering a wide range of services to any person affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse.

They take calls from people of all ages, creeds, ethnic groups and orientations.

Counsellors will also speak with friends, relatives and concerned persons as well as take general queries.

Their services include webchat support, one-to-one counselling, court accompaniment and outreach services.

Free phone is 1800 77 88 88 availble 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

www.drcc.ie

BOOZER BAN

Taoiseach claims reopening of wet pubs would see Covid cases rise ‘far faster’

LOTTO LUCK

EuroMillions numbers revealed as €160m jackpot and Plus draw up for grabs

Latest

LEVEL DROP

Ireland moves to Covid Level 3 from Dec 1 with ‘some modifications’ for Xmas

‘PRECARIOUS POSITION’

NPHET warn that if cases rise early intervention will be important

snow worries

Reports of blizzard hitting Ireland played down as snow storm chart ‘outlier’

MAJOR HAUL

Stolen goods worth over €100,000 seized by gardai in pre-Christmas crackdown

aware.ie