TELEPHONE-based counselling service Connect has said that it will be extending its service opening hours for the coming month in response to publication of the Scoping Inquiry into historical abuse in religious-run schools across the country.
From this week, the free service will open from 5-9pm every evening until Tuesday October 8.
Connect provides professional telephone-based counselling to survivors of abuse at freephone 1800 477 477.
The extension of the service is specifically to support those affected by this week’s publication of the Scoping Inquiry into abuse in schools run by religious orders.
Connect offers an out of hours counselling service for survivors of childhood abuse.
Callers upset or triggered by increased media and public attention on these issues can get to speak confidentially with a trained Counsellor who can support and guide them.
Connect was established in 2006 following demands from groups representing survivors of institutional abuse that an independent and professional out of hours telephone-based service be established.
Connect is funded by the HSE and normally operates a five-day week.
More information at connectcounselling.ie.
