Support Services

ACCORD aims to help couples initiate, sustain and enrich their marriage and family relationships
Other services offered:
         - marital sexual therapy
         - fertility and well-being service
         - marriage enrichment
         - schools programme
Counselling - the service is based on the client's needs rather than their ability to pay.  A contribution is requested if the person or couple can afford to make one
Marriage Preparation - a course fee applies but the service is free if the couple cannot afford to pay

ACCORD aims to help couples initiate, sustain and enrich their marriage and family relationships
Other services offered:
         - marital sexual therapy
         - fertility and well-being service
         - marriage enrichment
         - schools programme
Counselling - the service is based on the client's needs rather than their ability to pay.  A contribution is requested if the person or couple can afford to make one
Marriage Preparation - a course fee applies but the service is free if the couple cannot afford to pay

ACCORD aims to help couples initiate, sustain and enrich their marriage and family relationships
Other services offered:
         - marital sexual therapy
         - fertility and well-being service
         - marriage enrichment
         - schools programme
Counselling - the service is based on the client's needs rather than their ability to pay.  A contribution is requested if the person or couple can afford to make one
Marriage Preparation - a course fee applies but the service is free if the couple cannot afford to pay

Key services provided by FRCs include:

    The provision of family support, information and advice at local level.
    Practical assistance to community groups (such as training, information, advice and use of shared facilities).
    Education courses and training opportunities.

People to Contact

The Ballinasloe Family Support Service are a team of HSE staff who work with families through difficult times in their lives and provide intensive support to those who need it.

We aim to provide a service to families within their own homes and communities, to build on their strenghs and help them to overcome difficulties.

People to Contact

A  Family Support Group is a safe, confidential, non-judgemental place for adult family members to discuss issues emerging from the problem of drug or alcohol misuse within the family. From the shared experiences of the group, members will get support and may find the solution to their particular problem.

Family members can come to speak about their disappointment, anger, manipulation, hurt, fear and many other emotions that are experienced when a family member is misusing drugs or alcohol. It is a place where those affected by substance misuse in the family can become empowered and gain strength to deal with day to day living.

The Tuam group meets every Thursday evening at 8.00pm at the Social Services Centre in Brackernagh.  This building is on the old road towards Galway. (next to the Mace garage and shop)

We provide a free, impartial and confidential Information Service to the people of Ballinasloe and surrounding areas.

Topics covered include –

• Social Welfare Entitlements
• Supplementary Welfare
• Employment Rights
• Education Grants
• Medical Cards
• Entitlements for the over 60’s
• Entitlements for people with disability
• Appeals etc.

Further support services available in the Centre

Supported by FÁS/DSP
Affiliated to INOU and Comhairle
 

People to Contact

Bereavement Counsellor

Jacinta Murphy is Helplink's specialised counsellor in the area of bereavement; she also helps parents who have experienced a neo natal death.

For counselling with Jacinta you please contact counselling@helplink.ie or call (091) 520963 to make an appointment.

The fee for a session with Jacinta is 65 euro for face-to-face in Galway and 55 for online/phone counselling nationwide. People can avail of a further 5 euro discount if they are referred by their GP.

Jacinta holds a BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy from PCI College as well as a Diploma in Counselling. She is accredited with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and has specialised training working with clients who have suffered stillbirth and neonatal loss.

*Jacinta provides counselling sessions by appointment only.

Matching a male or female volunteer with a referred young person aged between 10-18years.  The programme offers friendship resulting in a positive impact on the young person’s development.

AGE GROUP:   10 – 18 years male/female

This service caters for children and young people over 6yrs in relation to intellectual disabilities.

Cancer Care West is a not for profit, West of Ireland registered charity (CHY11260), dedicated to supporting those whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. It aims to enhance patient care and well being and to provide supports to cancer patients and their families during and after their treatment.

People to Contact

People to Contact

People to Contact

Key services provided by FRCs include:

    The provision of family support, information and advice at local level.
    Practical assistance to community groups (such as training, information, advice and use of shared facilities).
    Education courses and training opportunities.

CONSOLE aims to support those bereaved by suicide by providing;-

•     Counselling  and Support
•     Monthly support Group
•     National Freephone Helpline
•     Community Outreach
•     Conferences and Training
•     Literature to help people understand the grieving process
•     Suicide Prevention Work including a  DVD 'A Life 2 live4'

Console was established in 2002 by Paul Kelly after he had experienced the grief of losing a loved one by Suicide. Through his loss, Paul recognised a need for a dedicated Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Service here in Ireland.

Since then Console has developed into a National Organisation supporting people in Suicidal Crisis and those Bereaved by Suicide through Professional Counselling, Support and Helpline Services.

Console is a National Service with Centres in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Athlone, Wexford and Kildare.

People to Contact

Couples Counselling by Helplink specialist counsellor Katherine McGee (by appointment only)

Fee: 65 per session or 60 with a GP referral

Katherine holds a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Tivoli Institute. She pre-accredited with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). In her professional development she has specialised in couples counselling training. 

Katherine is available to see clients face-to-face in our Galway offices. Or nationwide by online (Skype) or phone counselling.

Croí's aim is to reduce the impact of Cardiovascular Disease on individuals and families by supporting a range of initiatives in the areas of prevention, education, lifestyle change, treatment and rehabilitation

The Department's role is to promote a caring society through ensuring access to income support and other services, enabling active participation, promoting social inclusion and supporting families. Older people are supported through income and other support services including the following;

– Information Services – 1890 66 22 44
– Free Travel, Household Benefits, State Pension, Domiciliary Care, Widow(er)s Pension, Widowed Parent Grant, Blind Persons Pension - Tel: 1890 500 000
– Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Disability Allowance, Disablement Benefit, Invalidity Pension, Bereavement Grant - Tel: 1890 927 770
– Supplementary Welfare Allowance - 071 9157100
– Homemakers Te 1890 690 690
– Respite Care Grant – Tel: 01 6732222
– Illness Benefit, Injury Benefit, Medical Care – Tel: 1890 928 400
– Treatment Benefit -Telephone 1890 400 400 
Social Welfare Local Office Galway Tel 091 500800 
Hynes Building, St. Augustine Street, Galway, Co. Galway

Domestic Violence Response is a rural based project responding to the issue of domestic violence primarily in West Galway. 
http://www.domesticviolenceresponse.com/

Our aim is to identify and respond to the needs of women and children in Co. Galway who are subjected to violence and abuse in the home; and to develop long-term responses that work towards the elimination of domestic violence.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is any form of physical, sexual or emotional violence which puts safety or welfare of a family member at risk.


What happens when you contact the service:

• We provide a free and confidential service to give you an opportunity to explore problems you may be having in your relationship.
• We will arrange a once off assessment visit with you at a place that is safe and accessible for you.
• We will offer you further follow up appointments, court accompaniment and referrals to other agencies as needed.
• We will accompany you to relevant agencies as needed.
• We also provide telephone support.
• We also provide education and awareness.

Impact of living with domestic violence includes:
 

• Feeling afraid.
• Believing the abuse is your fault.
• Doubting yourself and your judgement.
• Feeling guilty and ashamed.
• Physical injuries.

Contact us at 091 866740 to find out the support and protection available to you.

People to Contact

Empowerment Plus offers Family Support Services in Galway City and County.

We also operate in the North East where cases can also be child protection / child welfare. We also offer support to foster placements if requested.

E+ is a needs led service that operates 24/7 all through the year.

It is an in home service where what ever support required is given, i.e. access, practical, emotional, etc.

Our objective is to empower our clients to live their lives and to reach their potential.

People to Contact

This service caters for children and young people over 6yrs in relation to physical disabilities.

Family mediation

When a family is in need of support a Family Welfare Conference may be helpful in making a plan.  A Family Welfare Conference is a decision making meeting which brings family members, friends and other people important to the family together.  The family meeting is arranged by an independent co-ordinator at a time and place that suits the family.  Family Welfare Conferences are based on the principle of partnership and help families to find solutions to their own problems with support from the HSE.  The process makes use of the strengths and resources within the family and respects each families own culture and values.

AGE GROUP:   Families
FEES/COSTS:  None

People to Contact

FÁS enhances the skills and competencies of individuals and enterprises through the provision of tailored training and employment programmes that suit everyone's needs.

Provides free, confidential and impartial information on subjects such as employment, social welfare, HSE services, consumer rights etc. Can also assist with filling forms and free legal advice and accounting advice service.

The GHISG endeavours to improve the quality of life of people with acquired brain injury and their families.

Provides information, support and advocacy to migrant workers and their families.

The Stroke Support Group aims to provide an opportunity for Stroke Survivors, family/carers to talk about their experiences and how they are managing; to offer support to each other and to families whose relative/friend has just had a stroke. The group also provides information regarding stroke and stroke prevention, including information sessions from health care professionals. They also provide outings from time to time.

Key services provided by FRCs include:

    The provision of family support, information and advice at local level.
    Practical assistance to community groups (such as training, information, advice and use of shared facilities).
    Education courses and training opportunities.

People to Contact

Aims of the group:
       - promote the provision of adequate support services for families
       caring for persons with autism
       - promotion of awareness among the general public at local and
       national level
       - research on the cause, treatment, prevention and lessening of
       symptoms
Counselling services offered to parents
Outreach is offered to elderly parents and the most vulnerable who are unable to visit our office
There is a €50 membership fee which covers information packs, counselling services, library and information on upcoming seminars

Provides a support service to Family/ Informal Carers in Galway City, County & the Islands. Range of carers support services provided including training service, support group service, information and advice services, in home respite service, counselling service etc.

Registration of all life events – births, stillbirths, marriages and deaths.
Issuing of certificates for life events. You may also order online at www.certificates.ie. Solemnisation of civil marriages.

Provides information and support to individuals and groups on healthy eating and weight management.

The HSE provides a national information services on a wide range of health services, entitlements and eligibility. The Info line operates from 8am to 8pm Monday- Saturday.

I.D.E.A.L is a brand new service.  To date it is the only one of its kind available in Ireland and is now providing home-based alcohol detoxification services for people who are dependent on alcohol and wish to stop drinking.
We provide "at home" care and support for the whole family in the family home.
Our program works by having a visiting health care worker, recovery mentor and family facilitor who comes to the family home until detoxification treatment is completed and recovery is well under way.
Our program lasts for a total of 7 weeks from start to finish.  Alcohol detoxification medication is prescribed for comfort and safety 
Home treatment is proven to be more cost effective than residential and this can be another huge benefit to financially restricted families.
it is not always necessary to be admitted to hospital or rehab for alcohol detoxification.

Home alcohol detoxification is suitable for

• Self employed
•  Lone parents
•  Those in the public eye
•  Low income families
•  Those who do not wish to be separated from family for treatment
•  Farming families
• Those who need ultimate privacy

People to Contact

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) is Ireland’s oldest and most well-known children’s charity.  The ISPCC has a long, proud history of service delivery and advocacy on behalf of children.

Our Vision:

To see an Ireland where all children are heard and valued.

Our Work:
The ISPCC is the only organisation in Ireland providing unique 24 hour support services for children and young people through our Childline service. Childline receives the majority of its 2,300 calls and messages per day after 6pm each evening, when most other support services are closed. Childline receives no government funding, relying on the generosity of donors and volunteers to help run this vital, unique service.

ISPCC support workers and volunteer mentors also work with over 1,500 individual children and families nationwide each year through our suite of ISPCC support services  Our support workers encounter many issues such as emotional and behavioural problems, anxiety, grief, risk of drug and alcohol abuse and early school leaving.

The ISPCC is a child centred organisation providing a range of independent and unique services which are preventative and empowering in nature.

Our Targets:

    Inclusion – to include children in society
    Support – giving children the support they need to work through emotional problems
    Protection - preventing cruelty to children
    Consultation & Participation - seeing children as equals and letting them have a say
    Citizenship - valuing children’s rights as citizens


Our Funding:
The ISPCC receives less that 10% of funding from the Government and so has to fundraise 90% of its annual income; relying on the generosity of the general public, companies and schools. In 2011, we need to raise over €4.5 million to maintain our services and continue to be there, 24 hours a day, for children and young people in Ireland.

Our Services:
ChildFocus & TeenFocus: Therapeutic interventions for children and young people who are experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Youth Mentoring: A mentor volunteer is matched with a young person to support them.

Childline / Childline Online / TeenTxt: A FREE service for children and young people to access to talk about what's going on for them and what they would like to see happen.

Key services provided by FRCs include:

    The provision of family support, information and advice at local level.
    Practical assistance to community groups (such as training, information, advice and use of shared facilities).
    Education courses and training opportunities.

People to Contact

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process carried out by two or more parties and a mediator. In order not to go through an expensive and possibly contracted legal battle in court, the parties involved, along with a mediator, try to come to an agreement about a dispute or conflict. This service is also called conflict or dispute resolution.

Mediation has many advantages as it saves people and companies money, time and stress in sorting out conflicts or disputes instead of going through the courts system. When parties are satisfied with the agreement they come to, with the assistance of the mediator, they can then get their solicitors to put the agreement on a legal standing if they wish. A mediator is a trained facilitator who works with all parties in an impartial and confidential manner.

What kind of conflicts, disputes or contracts can be worked out with the mediation process?

• Couples that are going through a separation, whether married or not, or with or without children, can come to an agreement as to what happens to their child/children, possessions etc.
• Organisations that may have internal disputes between staff members or between staff and management can work out an amicable solution for everyone involved without the need for legal action.
• Companies can work out business contracts with the assistance of the mediator as well. In fact this is a very beneficial way of companies working together due to the nature of the mediator's ability to be impartial and confidential.
• Two or more parties who cannot come to an agreement without assistance can use mediation services to resolve the situation. An example of this may be neighbours who are having difficulty agreeing where the land divide is between their homes; or if one party has infringed upon the others 'quiet enjoyment' of their home.
• People that are struggling with Debt resolution and need a third impartial party to negotiate with their creditors

MRSA and families network is a national organisation who provide advocacy/ councilling/support to survivors and their families of mrsa, c/diff hospital and healthcare acquired infections.

People to Contact

CONTACT PERSONS:
Julie O’Donnell    Ext: 261
Norma O’Sullivan / Noreena Naughton  Ext: 265
Bernadine Higgins    Ext: 264
Caitriona Heverin    Ext: 263
Marie Morohan
Sharon
Marie Gibbons    Ext: 262
Yolanda Blanc
Patricia Holian  (Admin)   Ext: 246

Key services provided by FRCs include:

    The provision of family support, information and advice at local level.
    Practical assistance to community groups (such as training, information, advice and use of shared facilities).
    Education courses and training opportunities.

Time4Us is a play centre for families where one parent does not live in the family home. Time4Us provides a safe, neutral, child friendly homely environment where non-resident parents can spend quality time with their children in a fun filled, relaxed environment. As well as play facilities, parents can prepare snacks for their children and help them with homework if they wish.


The purpose of Time 4 Us is to provide a cost-free venue with opening hours to suit the needs of parents, including evenings and weekends.  It is located in an easily accessible location in Galway city, catering for children of all ages.

What makes Time4Us unique?
 It is the first service of its kind in the Republic of Ireland
 It is a practical response to the changing needs of modern families
 Non- resident parents have an opportunity to participate in family life – eg helping with homework, preparing snacks
 The service is open at times that meet the needs of children and parents – afternoons, evenings and weekends

People to Contact

Information on all topics e.g. social welfare entitlements, courses etc.  Also free 15min legal advice to see if person needs to see a solicitor.  It is not open to anybody if legal advice has already been availed of.  Appointments can be booked through Declan for the 1st Thursday of each month.

OPENING TIMES: 
11am – 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
11am – 2pm Thursday

People to Contact

A  Family Support Group is a safe, confidential, non-judgemental place for adult family members to discuss issues emerging from the problem of drug or alcohol misuse within the family. From the shared experiences of the group, members will get support and may find the solution to their particular problem.

Family members can come to speak about their disappointment, anger, manipulation, hurt, fear and many other emotions that are experienced when a family member is misusing drugs or alcohol. It is a place where those affected by substance misuse in the family can become empowered and gain strength to deal with day to day living.

The Tuam group meets every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm at the Parish Centre on the Dublin Road.

Tuam Family Services are aware that everybody faces difficulties at some point in their lives and may need more support than their family and friends can offer them.  With this in mind we aim to work with families with children from birth to eighteen years in Tuam and the surrounding areas, in order to reduce stress and facilitate people reaching their full potential.  We have a drop in service for parents one morning per week, from 9.30am – 12.30pm, why not drop in to find out more information or if you would like some support.  Phone us to find out the day we have drop in service.

AGE GROUP:   All Ages
FEES/COSTS:  None
MEET/OPENING TIMES: 9.30-5.30 Monday-Friday
We operate outside these hours by appointment

People to Contact