The wellbeing of all those engaging with the Inquiry is extremely important to the Chair and his team. The Inquiry is very aware that it will be investigating matters that may cause considerable distress, and, as such, is committed to operating in accordance with a Trauma Informed Approach, providing support where possible.
We are committed to ensuring that arrangements for support are put in place to assist those giving evidence and those who wish to attend at any of the Inquiry’s public hearings.
The Inquiry is working with WAVE Trauma Centre. WAVE will provide emotional and wellbeing support, and guidance on how to apply a Trauma Informed Approach. The Inquiry’s approach will be kept under careful review to ensure it adheres to WAVE-informed best practice.
The WAVE Trauma Centre provides support and services across communities, for those affected by the Troubles, and can be contacted through their website or 02890 779922 if you need support when interacting with the Inquiry. Counsellors from WAVE Trauma Centre will be available to witnesses providing evidence during hearings, as well as others who may require assistance.
The Inquiry recognises that the needs of each individual are different. There may be other organisations better placed to help you, and we encourage you to seek assistance with whomever you are most comfortable. If you wish to nominate a counsellor or support worker to assist you on a hearing day, please contact operations@finucane.independent-inquiry.uk to discuss.
Find out more about the Northern Ireland Executive’s Victims and Survivors Service and of about other organisations available to help.
If you are in immediate crisis or risk of harm, please consider the following emergency options:
- Call 999 and ask for an ambulance, or for non-emergency health advice call the
- NHS on 111.Go to any hospital, or book an emergency appointment with your GP.
- If you need urgent support but do not want to contact the health service, call the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123.
Emotional support during hearings
During hearings, representatives of WAVE Trauma Centre will be in person to provide emotional support to all of those in attendance. Details of their services will be signposted in all communications circulated in advance of hearings, and they will be asked to identify themselves at appropriate points during hearing days.
These services can be accessed by anyone who may need them including Core Participants, Recognised Legal Representatives, witnesses, members of the public or representatives of the media.
On each sitting day, at least one counsellor will be in attendance to provide counselling services to anyone who may require it. A dedicated, private emotional support room is available at every hearing day for counsellors to provide counselling services as needed.
All counsellors provided are appropriately qualified and accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Counselling services are delivered by independent practitioners engaged on a third-party basis.
Emotional support for witnesses
Witnesses to the Inquiry will have access to emotional support services. These services are available to anyone providing evidence to the Inquiry, including, for example, by way of a witness statement or through attendance at a hearing to provide oral evidence.
Witnesses will be continuously informed of these services and can self-refer to access these services from the point at which the Inquiry first contacts them to request evidence or information. Support includes access to counselling services before, during and after any individual is required to provide evidence to the Inquiry.
These services are available to all witnesses and are provided in accordance with the individual’s needs and preferences. Additional support is available to the witness in the days and weeks after they have given evidence to the Inquiry, should that be requested.
Inquiry staff training and support
The Inquiry provides regular training to Inquiry staff, delivered through WAVE Trauma Centre on Trauma Informed Approaches and working with individuals who have been affected by trauma. This training supports the Inquiry’s commitment to ensuring that all engagement with vulnerable individuals is conducted in a trauma informed manner.