Services
Befriending Service
Myrtle Hamilton and Janet McConnell, talking on park bench, part of the Outreach Befriending programme
One to one Befriending is a core WAVE service offered to people who have been bereaved or traumatised as a result of the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland, regardless of their religious, cultural or political beliefs. The service offers support at a time of need and vulnerablility and aims to help individuals and families restore some form of normality back into their lives.
Individual Counselling
WAVE recognises that some people may need more individual support. Counselling takes place when a counsellor sees a client in a private and confidential setting to explore a difficulty the client is having, distress they may be experiencing or their attempts to come to terms with a life-changing event. Counselling is offered within the standards and protocols set by the organisation—further details can be provided.
Youth Service
This service is offered to all young people aged between five and twenty-five years affected by the “Troubles”. Activities are offered on a cross-community basis, in keeping with the ethos of the organisation and fall into one of four categories: Personal and Social Development, Storytelling, Citizenship and Widening Horizons, incorporating programmes overseas. A one-to-one befriending and counselling service is also available for young people in need of additional support. Youth programmes are located within the Northern Ireland Curriculum (see Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in Northern Ireland).
Peer Group Support
Families of the Disappeared enjoying a
residential at Lusty Beg Island, Summer 2004
(colour photo)
WAVE offers the opportunity for those affected by the “Troubles” to meet for peer-group support as a means of lessening loneliness and isolation. A key benefit from peer-group meetings is the support each individual receives from others who have experienced similar things. Each group is tailored to the specific needs of those who attend. Creative arts and outings also form an essential part of each programme.
Advice/Advocacy
WAVE's Welfare Advice Workers are trained and experienced in social welfare matters and in dealing with people who have suffered a trauma such as bereavement, injury or intimidation. Free confidential information and advice is offered on a range of issues: Social Security Benefits; Housing; Intimidation; and Tribunal Representation Services.
Trauma Training
Three Diploma graduates with their
tutors, left to right: Therese Fitzerald,
tutors Margaret Riddels and John
Thompson, Marie Therese O'Hagan, and
Diane McKay (colour photo)
To raise awarenesss of the needs of traumatised individuals and to provide training opportunities for organisations, WAVE has developed a range of training courses. Six courses, all developed as a means of enhancing the “Helping Relationship”, are accredited at NVQ Levels 2 and 3 by the Open College Network. A Diploma in Trauma Studies accredited by Queen's University School of Nursing and Midwifery is offered annually. It is experiential in nature and the first of its kind in this field.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies are available at all WAVE centres on either a weekly or fortnightly basis. A variety of treatments are offered including: Reflexology, Aromatherapy, and Indian Head Massage. These therapies are extremely beneficial to those who have been traumatised, as they help with many ailments such as stress, sleep problems, anxiety, panic attacks or digestive problems.
