About the WAVE Trauma Centre
WAVE, a grass roots, cross community, voluntary organisation was formed in 1991 to support people bereaved of a spouse as a result of violence in Northern Ireland. It was expanded later to incorporate the needs of young people and children and anyone traumatised through ‘the troubles’.
The woman’s drop in every Thursday 2pm–4pm
is only one of the many activities
that goes on at the WAVE Trauma Centre.
Contact nearest centre
for details.
Today the overall aim of WAVE is to offer
care and support to anyone bereaved or
traumatised through the violence,
irrespective of religious, cultural or
political belief. The philosophy and
ethos of the organisation is one of
inclusiveness i.e. anyone bereaved or
traumatised—those physically
impaired as a result of the violence in
Northern Ireland and those who care for
them. WAVE promotes a respect for life
and an understanding of difference that
is seen as enhancing rather than
threatening. It affirms and acknowledges
that there are ways of resolving
difference other than through the use of
violence and continually seeks creative
ways of working through issues that have
the potential to divide.
The Interim Commissioner for Victims, Mrs Bertha McDougal (centre), visits the Injured group, Oct 2006.
Over the years the violence in Northern Ireland has lead directly to the deaths of over 3,600 people and resulted in over 30,000 serious injuries. The Cost of the Troubles Study (1997) estimates that, “At the very least 6,800 people have the experience of one of their immediate family—parent or sibling—being killed in a troubles-related incident.” The true cost however is much higher as the relatives of those killed and maimed have also suffered ill health, disruption of family relationships, impaired functioning, substance abuse and in some cases when their grief became intolerable, suicide.
Elsie Frizzelle, one of the many volunteers, answers one of the many calls each WAVE Centre receives daily.
Over the last five years the level of calls and referrals to WAVE have increased. Referrals are received from those affected by violence more recently in addition to those traumatised or bereaved up to 35 years ago. This indicates the necessity of providing the services offered by WAVE on a long-term basis. This level of calls and referrals remain constant averaging approximately 600 new referrals per year.
At present the organisation has offered support and care to over 3,600 people, a cross section of adults, young people and children. The organisation's inclusive policy means that services and support are available to everyone.
To date we operate from 5 centres in: Belfast, Armagh, Omagh, Ballymoney and Derry/Londonderry.
Services such as Befriending, Psychotherapy/Counselling, Advice/Welfare, Training Opportunities, Complementary Therapies and Youth are available from all centres.
WAVE Trauma Centre is a Company
Limited by Guarantee.
Registered in Northern Ireland - Company Number NI39420.
Registered Office - 5 Chichester Park
South, Belfast, BT15
5DW.
Inland Revenue
Charity Ref No - XR20088.
