Support Resources

ADOPTION

  • A good starting point for information is: The adoption Authority of Ireland

Website: www.aai.gov.ie

ADDICTIONS

  • The HSE page- drugs.ie provides a full drug and alcohol support information directory

Website: http://drugs.ie/

Tel: 1800 459459

  • Al-anon: support groups for families and friends of people with alcoholism

Tel contact: 021-4311899 (answering service for info on meetings)

  • Nar-anon: support group for family and friends of people with drug abuse issues

Tel: 086 1755122 (for meeting details)

  • U-clinic: service for Polish migrants with addiction problems

Tel: (021) 4967743

Email: poradnia@together-razem.org

Website: www.together-razem.org

BABY WEARING

Babywearing Ireland: charity that holds the national library and organises local sling meets throughout Ireland. To rent from the national library go to their website: www.babywearingireland.ie

Sling meet Douglas: 2nd Friday of the month in Ardfallen Methodist centre 10.30-12.30

Sling meet Midleton: 1st Wednesday of the month in ‘myplace’ community centre 10.00-12.00

Email: corkbabywearinglibrary@gmail.com for more information

BIRTH ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT

AIMS Ireland: Consumer led voluntary organisation informing public on all matters relating to maternity services, including birth healing support groups, and assisting with complaints regarding maternity care Website: aimsireland.ie, Email: support@aimsirelnad.com Tel: 087-7543751

  • Nurture Health: a counselling support service for women focusing on issues surrounding conception, pregnancy, childbirth and other related difficulties Tel: 085-8619585 info@nurturehealth.ie

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

  • Cuidiú: A voluntary parent-to-parent support organisation, which provides breastfeeding support as one of its domains. Cuidiú Cork has a number of qualified voluntary Breastfeeding Counsellors. These counsellors provide phone support, as well as run breastfeeding support groups around the county.

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUPS

Cork suburbs group: First Tuesday of every month, 10.30-12.30 in M&S Cafe, Douglas Village Shopping Centre

East Cork group: 3rd Tuesday of month in my place community centre at 10.30-12

Monthly breastfeeding groups also run in Ballyphehane, Inishannon, and in other areas of the county. Please view the Cuidiú Cork website, or the Cuidiú facebook group, for up-to-date information. AS well as the contact numbers for the Cuidiú trained breastfeeding counsellors

www.cuidiucork.net/breastfeeding-support/

Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/cuidiuCork/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cuidiubreastfeedingcork/

  • Le Leche League: a breastfeeding support organisation, offering phone support as well as running support groups throughout the county

Support groups:

Midleton: 2nd Thursday of every month 10am-12pm in ‘myplace’ community centre

Cobh coffee morning: 1st Monday every month 10am-12nd in a volunteer’s home

Blackpool: 3rd Saturday every month ‘Feeding beyond Infancy Group’ 11am-1pm Blackpool library community room

Douglas: 4th Friday every month 10.30-12.30 in Ardfallen Methodist Centre, off Douglas road

Website: www.lalecheleagueireland.com for contact details, and details of other Cork groups

  • HSE Public health nurse support (PHN)

Many PHN centres run breastfeeding support groups and they provide breastfeeding support to moms on discharge from hospital. Contact your local health centre or G.P. for up-to-date information and see the HSE website mychild.ie: breastfeeding supports

www2.hse.ie/services/breastfeeding-support-search/

  • CUMH support:

While an in-patient: support groups are run on the postnatal wards. These are in different locations throughout the week. Times of these classes are written on every notice board in every room in CUMH. Schedule: 3 East Monday at 11am (Not on Bank Holidays), 3 South Monday at 1pm (Not on Bank Holidays), 2 East Wednesday at 10am, NNU Thursday 10am (Only for mothers with infants in the NNU)

Post discharge: Breastfeeding Helpline CUMH: Ring if any concerns arise:                              021-4920752, 0876623874 Veronica /Susan, Monday to Friday

A free, point of access support group run by Lactation Consultants is also provided every Tuesday in the Main Hall of the SMA Parish Centre Wilton from 2- 4 pm.

  • Private lactation consultant support: A number of private lactation consultants provides in-depth expert advice and support to moms struggling with breastfeeding. An up-to-date list of registered LCs can be found at ALCI

MEDICATIONS DURING BREASTFEEDING INFO

  • Your G.P., pharmacist can be your first point of contact.

They can avail of a medical professional advisory service which is provided by phone nationally be staff in St. James hospital regarding medications and lactation

Website: www.stjames.ie/Departments/DepartmentsA-Z/N/NationalMedicinesInformationCentre/DepartmentOverview/

Tel: 1850-727727/ 01-4730589

  • Wendy Jones: A UK based pharmacist and breastfeeding advocate voluntarily provides information directly to mothers regarding medication use while breastfeeding by request. She can be contacted at: Email: wendy@breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk

Website: www.breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/

BREAST PUMP RENTAL

  • Cuidiú has a number of pumps which are available to borrow free of charge to Cuidiú members. Please contact a Cuidiú breastfeeding counsellor for more information
  • O’ Sullivans pharmacy, Bishopstown Tel: 021-4343344

Helpful Websites for evidence-based information on breastfeeding:

https://www2.hse.ie/babies-and-toddlers/breastfeeding/

https://www.laleche.org.uk/

BULLYING

  • A helpful website with downloadable tool: www.antibullyingcampaign.ie
  • A good informative and resource website: www.besomeonetotell.org.uk
CHILD ABUSE

  • If you are concerned a child is in immediate danger, or living in an abusive environment, contact your local Garda station, emergency services, and/or Tusla
  • Tusla: Worried about a child, contact Tusla for information on what constitutes Child abuse, as well as how to go about making a report www.tusla.ie  Cork office 021-4923493
  • Childline: service provided by ISPCC, support for all children up to age 18.

Support line tel: 1800666666, Free text, by texting the word Talk to 50101, chat live on the website

  • CARI: therapy and support for children affected by child sexual abuse

helpline: 1890924567, www.cari.ie

CHILDHOOD ILLNESS

  • Under 6 free G.P. visit card

See https://www2.hse.ie/services/gp-visit-cards/under-6s-gp-visit-card.html to download the form and further information

  • HSE website: for factual and Irish applicable information on all childhood illnesses

https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/

  • Children in hospital Ireland: Support for children in hospital and their families

Website: www.childreninhospital.ie, Tel: 01-290350, email: info@childreninhospital.ie

CHILDCARE

To assist with searching for childcare the following websites can be useful:

  • Schooldays.ie
  • Gumtree.ie
  • Mindme.ie
  • earlychildhoodireland.ie: a list of registered preschools, full day childcare facilities and afterschool services is available

CHILDMINDER SUPPORT

Childminding Ireland: Childminding Ireland is the national childminding body, supporting Irish childminders email: support@childminding.ie, T: 01-2878466, www.childminding.ie

  • If you are a medical card holder and need counselling you may qualify for some free counselling sessions, speak to your G.P. about the CIPC service

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/counsellingpc

CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

  • For any concerns you may have relating to your child’s presentation or development your first point of contact is your PHN and your GP who can refer to the relevant specialist services in the HSE
  • Special Needs Parents Association: support for all parents of persons with special needs and disabilities. Its website includes a very comprehensive directory of specialised special needs services and organisations in Ireland.

Website: www.specialneedsparents.ie

  • Dyspraxia Association of Ireland: information and support for those with a diagnosis of DCD/dyspraxia and their families. DAI regularly organises activities for members
    Phone: 01-8747085
    Email: info@dyspraxia.ie
    Website: www.dyspraxia.ie
  • Irish society for Autism: provides information, support and education for those with Autism and their families

Website: www.autism.ie

  • Shine Ireland: provides service and supports for children with Autism and their families. The website provides good information on entitlements for parents of children with a diagnosis eg. DCA, carers allowance

https://shineireland.com

  • HADD child and family support: working for families living with ADHD

Tel: project co-ordinator- (021)4515032

CITIZEN INFORMATION

  • Citizens information board: a national agency providing information advice and advocacy on social and public services in Ireland.

Website: www.citizensinformationboard.ie, tel: 0761074000,

  • Legal Aid Board: Tel: 1890615200
CLOTH/WASHABLE NAPPIES

  • Cloth nappy library Ireland

A fantastic resource and great starting place for those considering using cloth nappies, as well as provide advice and support along the journey

http://www.clothnappylibrary.ie/

COUNSELLING AND PSYCOTHERAPY

  • Irish Assoc. for Counselling and psychotherapy (IACP): List of local registered private therapists and their specialities

Tel: 01-2300061 website: www.iacp.ie

  • See mental health section
CRIME (VICTIMS OF)

 

DAILY LIVING AIDS 

Assistireland.ie: provide information on daily living aids for those living with compromised independence or disability Website: www.assistireland.ie

Death and Loss

  • Irish Hospice Foundation: dedicated to all matters relating to dying, death, bereavement in Ireland

Tel: 01-6793188 Email: info@hospicefoundation.ie website: www.hospicefoundation.ie

  • Turas le Cheile: provision of free confidential bereavement support

Tel: 086-0566819 website: www.turaslecheile.com

Barnardos: provides national bereavement counselling service specifically for children

email: info@barnardos.ie, Callsave number: 1850 222300, www.barnardos.ie

Domestic Abuse and Violence

  • Amen- for male victims of domestic abuse

www.amen.ie Confidential Support line: 046 9023718

confidential email: crisissupport@amen.ie

  • Cork Domestic violence project: One to one support and counselling service for women who are experiencing domestic violence. Tel: 021-4275678
  • Cuanlee refuge: Refuge and support for women experiencing domestic violence

Help line Tel: 021 4277 698 Email: cuanleerefuge@hotmail.com

Website: www.cuanleerefuge.org

Helpline : 021 421 1757 Email: mnafeasa@eircom.net
Website: http://www.mnafeasa.com/ Text Service for women: 085 8888576

Support groups run in Cork city on Tuesday evenings, and Thursday mornings

One to one appointments available

  • YANA: North Cork Domestic violence project

Tel: 022-53915

  • OSS: information, support, advocacy and accompaniment service

helpline: 1800497497 email: osscork@eircom.net Website: www.osscork.ie

  • West Cork Women against Violence Project:

Freephone helpline on Tuesdays: 1800203136

Drop in outreach service each Friday from 11am-2pm in Skibbereen

Email: coordinator@westcorkwomensproject.ie Website: www.westcorkwomensproject.ie

Eating Disorders

  • Bodywhys: support and information for people affected by eating disorders and their families and friends

Helpline:1890200444 Email: alex@bodywhys.ie

ECCE Preschools

  • Early childhood Ireland: for information regarding eligibility and a list of registered preschools visit the website

Website: www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/

Family Planning

  • Irish Family Planning Association: provide contraception, pregnancy counselling, abortion care, sexual and reproductive health services Tel: 1850 495051 Email: reception@ifpa.ie
  • Anew: providing support to women, children, partners, families facing issues surrounding pregnancy, homelessness and parenthood Free helpline: 1800281281 Cork office: 021-4270445 Email: hello@anew.ie
  • HSE My options: a freephone service that will provide support and information around your options surrounding pregnancy Tel: 1800 828010

 

Fertility issues 

  • First point of contact is your G.P., who can provide advice, do investigations, make appropriate referrals
  • National Infertility support and information group (NISIG)

Support and information on all areas relating to infertility, including donor conception and surrogacy

Phone: Mobile: 087 7975058 (anytime)

Email: nisigireland@gmail.com

http://nisig.com/

  • Irish Fertility counsellor’s association

A contact point for professionally qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who specialise in the area of fertility

www.fertilitycounsellors.ie

  • Pomegranate

A charity to support women who are dealing with infertility

www.pomegranate.ie

email: info@pomegranate.ie

Financial Difficulties

  • MABS (Money and Budgeting service)

www.mabs.ie, helpline: 0761072000, see their website for local drop in offices

  • Keeping your home: information for people in mortgage arrears

Website: www.keepingyourhome.ie

  • St. Vincent de Paul: support and assistance for those in need

Tel: (021)4270444

Email: info@svdpcork.ie

Website: www.svp.ie

Fostering 

A good starting point is:

  • www.tusla.ie/services/alternative-care/foster-care/

Homelessness

  • Focus Ireland: Organisation working to prevent people becoming or remaining homeless

Cork office- Tel: 021-4273646 email: help@focusireland.ie, website: www.focusireland.ie

  • Threshold: Charity offering support and advice on housing and accommodation

Website: www.threshold.ie Email: advicecork@threshold.ie Tel: 1800 454 454

Cork Outreach clinic: 22, south Mall, Cork

  • Simon Community

Provide emergency shelter, and support in regaining independent living

Emergency shelter: 021-4278728

Email: shelter@corksimon.ie

www.simoncork.ie

Hospitals (Cork)

  • Cork University hospital, Wilton Tel: 021-4922000
  • Cork university maternity hospital reception Tel: 021-4920500
  • South Infirmary Victoria University hospital, Old Blackrock road, cork city Tel: 021-4926100
  • Mercy University hospital, Grenville place, cork city Tel: 021-4271971
  • Mercy Urgent Care Unit, St. Mary’s Health campus, Gurranabraher 021-4926900
  • Bon Secours, College Rd., Cork 021-4542807
  • Mater Private, City gate, Mahon 021-6013200

Out of hours medical help

Call 999/112 if urgent medical care is needed

  • South Doc (Cork) 1850 335 999
  • CUMH Emergency Room: 021-4920545

LGBT+

  • Cork Gay project: information, support, education, counselling on issues relating to sexuality

Tel: (021) 4278470

Email: info@gayprojectcork.com

Website: www.gayprojectcork.com

  • LINC: advocating rights for lesbian and bisexual women in Ireland

Tel: (021)4808600 Confidential helpline: (021) 4318318

Email:info@linc.com

Website: www.linc.ie

Literacy

  • NALA: Organisation to assist adults with literary

Tel: 1800202065, text: 50050, www.nala.ie, see the website for contact details for local run literacy courses

Lone Parenting

  • One Family: Support and advice for single parents and their families

Helpline: 01-6629212, email: support@onefamily.ie website: www.onefamily.ie

  • Solo.ie
  • Treoir: the national federation for services for unmarried parents and their children

Tel: 1890252084, email: info@treoir.ie

Mental Health Support and Counselling

Mental Health Crisis/emergency help: 

Call 999/112 if you or someone you know is about to harm themselves or someone else

Follow this link for further details for crisis situations https://www2.hse.ie/get-urgent-help/

Organisations that offer support, advice and low-cost counselling:

  • If you are a medical card holder and need counselling you may qualify for some free counselling sessions, speak to your G.P. about the CIPC service

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/counsellingpc

  • Mymind, Crosses Green, Cork: low cost counselling 0766801060
  • Cois Ceim (SHEP): low cost counselling in a number of locations in Cork

Tel: (021) 4666180

Email: info@socialandhealth.com

Website: www.socialandhealth.com/counselling-overview/coisceim/

  • Pieta House: supporting those with thoughts of, or experiencing self-harm or suicide

24 hour crisis support and information Freephone: 1800 247247

  • Shine: support for people experiencing mental ill health

Tel: (021)4949833 Helpline: 1890621631

Email: info@shineonline.ie

Website: www.shineonline.ie

  • One in Four: support for those who have experienced sexual violence during childhood, providing counselling, and advocacy.

Tel: 01-6624070 Email: info@oneinfour.ie Website: www.oneinfour.ie

  • Samaritans:  24-hour confidential, emotional support helpline for people experiencing distress or despair

freephone 116123 text 0872609090 email jo@samaritans.ie, www.samaritans.ie

  • Jigsaw: Mental health support for young people aged 12-25 www.jigsaw.ie/cork 021-2452500
  • Youth Health service: 3 option crisis pregnancy counselling, drug and alcohol counselling, generic counselling for people aged under 23

Tel: 076-1084150 Email: yhs@hse.ie website: www.yhs.ie

  • Aware: Support for those experiencing low mood, depression, bipolar affective disorder

freephone 1800 804848 Monday to Sunday 10am-10pm, supportmail@aware.ie

Support group in cork: Iniscarrig House, Grounds old Erinville Hospital, Western Road, Cork city Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm

In Mallow: Le cheile Family resource centre, Mallow community campus, Fair street Mallow Thursday at 8pm

  • PND Ireland: Support for woman experiencing post-natal depression

Website: www.pnd.ie Tel: 021-4922083 Email: support@pnd.ie

Monthly evening support meetings- last Tuesday of every month at 8pm in CUMH

Coffee mornings: 2nd Tuesday of every month at 11am-1pm in Starbucks, Mahon point shopping centre

  • Cuidiú peer support: Cuidiú parent to parent support workers are available to talk and give peer support, see our website for a list of local parent-to-parent support volunteer contact details http://cuidiucork.net/parenthood-support/

Migrant Support 

  • The Lantern Community Project: migrant centre

The Cork Migrant Centre provides free, confidential, accurate and up-to-date information on access to services and immigration issues.

The Drop-In centre operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00 to 15.00 to give accurate, current information, advocacy and referral on immigration, education, entitlements, accommodation, social and employment issues. The service is confidential, no appointment necessary.

Contact: 086 8246087 or 086 2641434;

Email: corkmigrantcentre@gmail.com

Website: www.lanternproject.ie

Address: The lantern project, Nano Nagle place, Evergreen St., Cork city

  • NASC: Irish immigrant support centre (021) 4317411

Multiples

Irish Multiples births association website: www.imba.ie

Cork multiple club facebook page:

Support meeting: Last Friday of every month in Brú Columbanus centre, Wilton at 10-12pm

Parenting and family support

  • Family resource centres:  a number of local family resources centres are available throughout the county, providing support and service to families. To find your local office visit:

www.tusla.ie/services/family-community-support/family-resource-centres/

  • Parenting24seven: an online resource offering evidence based key messages on what works best for children and families at different stages of childhood and in different situations

www.tusla.ie/services/family-community-support/parenting-24-seven/

  • Barnardos: Parent and family support to benefit children at risk

email: info@barnardos.ie, Callsave number: 1850 222300, www.barnardos.ie

  • Family mediation services: free mediation service to assist separating couples

Cork office: 021-4252200

  • Parentline: guiding parents and supporting their families

Support line: Tel: local 1890927277

  • Rainbows Ireland: supporting children with bereavement and parental separation, divorce

Tel: 01-4734175 email: ask@rainbowsireland.ie

  • Accord: pre marriage courses, and marriage counselling

View the website for info on regional centres in cork county

Email: info@accord.ie

https://www.accord.ie

  • Cuidiú Cork

A voluntary peer-to-peer organisation which offers support and information to parents on their parenting journey. Multiple support and social events organised locally in Cork. Please view the Cuidiú Cork website for up-to-date information regarding other groups, and activities, as well as contact details for trained breastfeeding counsellors and parent-to-parent support workers

Pregnancy and Infant Loss

  • Pregnancy and infant loss website: a Cork founded website to support families grieving the loss of a baby www.pregnancyandinfantloss.ie
  • CUMH bereavement clinical midwife specialist: 087-9052710/087-9052739
  • Féileacáin: Stillbirth and neonatal death association of Ireland. Cork meeting: 3rd Tuesday of every second month, Kinsley hotel, 7.30-9pm  Support line: 085-2496464 Email: admin@feileacain.ie  website: www.feileacain.ie
  • Miscarriage Association of Ireland: support for those who have experienced a miscarriage

Please view their website for phone support details www.miscarriage.ie Email: info@miscarrriage.ie

  • Anam Cara: support for parents and siblings following the death of a child

Support groups: 1st Wednesday of every month in The Clayton hotel, Tivoli at 7.30-9pm Email: info@anamcara.ie  Tel: 0852888888 website: www.anamcara.ie

Sexual Health

  • The sexual health centre: provides crisis pregnancy support, STI screening, LGBTI+ sexual health support, HIV testing, disability and sexuality support, marginalised groups support, sex workers support, free contraception and pregnancy testing.

Tel: 021-4276676 email: info@sexualhealthcentre.com

  • Youth Health service: sexual health and counselling service for young people aged under 23 years. STI clinic, family planning clinic, 3 option crisis pregnancy counselling drug and alcohol counselling, generic counselling Tel: 076-1084150 Email: yhs@hse.ie website: www.yhs.ie
  • GUM/STI clinic, SIVUH, Cork: free, confidential service providing screening, diagnosis and treatment

Tel: (021) 4966844

Sexual Violence

  • If you have been a victim of a sexual assault: As soon as possible make contact with the emergency services, or a Garda station
  • Cork sexual violence centre (formerly the rape crisis centre): free confidential services of support, assistance for survivors of rape, sexual assault and child sexual abuse

Freephone: 1800 496496 Email: info@sexualviolence.ie

Website: www.sexualviolence.ie

  • SATU (sexual assault treatment unit) Cork:

Website: www.sivuh.ie/departments/sexualassaulttreatmentunit.html
Tel: Mon– Thurs 0830-1630 (021) 4926297

Teenagers

Some helpful websites for teenagers and young adults:

  • www.reachout.com: a web-based service for young people going through tough times, to help them improve their mental health
  • www.headstrong.ie: site for information on youth mental health and wellbeing, with good resource and links
  • www.letsomeoneknow.ie: site to help teenagers understand mental health difficulties and how to access help
  • www.b4udecide.ie: a site which encourages young people to delay becoming sexually active
  • www.spunout.ie: youth information centre on all areas of health, lifestyle and culture

Vaccinations

  • Your PHN and your GP are your first points of contact for information, and administration of childhood vaccinations
  • For information which is evidenced based and scientifically accurate, and applicable to the Irish vaccination schedule view

https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/

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