Tuesday, January 26, 2021: Barnardos has extended its Post Adoption Service helpline opening hours to meet the needs of those impacted by the Mother & Baby Homes Report. The confidential and professionally staffed helpline can be contacted at (01) 454 6388 and is open Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm, for anyone needing to talk.
Barnardos support service for adoptive parents, children and teenagers continues and is also available at that number.
Over the last two weeks, more than 150 birthmothers and birth family members, adopted adults and adults raised in institutional care, have contacted Barnardos Post Adoption Service. All are distressed, angry, sad and very much in need of support. Many are coming forward for the very first time to talk of their experiences.
Those making contact with the service since the report was launched have included birth mothers in their 70’s and 80’s with long buried traumatic memories of being frightened and lonely in a mother and baby home, and adopted adults who have been troubled most of their lives with the need to know who they are. Also in contact were the families of birthmothers who have died, deeply affected by what their mother might have experienced in a mother and baby home, as well as adults who were raised in homes and now want to take the first step in trying to find their families.
Christine Hennessy, Barnardos Post Adoption Service Leader, said: “Since the final report was launched on January 12, just two weeks ago, we have seen an outpouring of anger, hurt and grief across the country. In many ways, while this report was welcome, it can be triggering for birthmothers, birthfathers and adult adopted people who have had experience with the system. It was a dark period in Irish history that is still causing a ripple affect across the country today, and many are in need of support when faced with it. Our helpline will continue to provide professional and confidential support to anyone that needs it and is available Monday- Friday 9.30am-4.30pm. The service can be contacted at (01) 4546388 or by email [email protected].”
Barnardos are offering two online support meetings over the coming weeks:
For birthmothers 17th February 10.30am-12.30pm
For adopted adults 19th February 10.30am-12.30pm
For more information please call (01) 4546388 or email [email protected]
ENDS
Notes to Editor –
Support available for adults through Barnardos Post Adoption and Origins Services –
Barnardos confidential and professionally staffed helpline will be open 9.30am-4.30pm Monday – Friday at (01) 4546388 and we can also be contacted by email at [email protected]
A five session series of online support meetings for adopted adults- “Exploring Adoption” is currently booked out but we will be repeating it in the Autumn. Sign up for event alerts here.
An online support meeting for birthmothers will take place on 17th February and for adopted adults on February 19th. Please mail [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
For more information for press and media please contact Barnardos Press Office:
Tel: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966