AQO 1210/17-22 Oral question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the establishment of support services for the survivors of institutional abuse.
Asked by John Blair MLA on 19 November 2020
- Answered
- Oral
- After due date
- Tabled
- 19 November 2020
- Answer due by
- 30 November 2020
- Answered
- 4 December 202015 days after tabling
- Department
- The Executive Office
- Priority question
- No
Answer
We are pleased to say that the HIA Support Service was officially launched on Tuesday 1 December 2020. This is another important step forward in helping to ensure that victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse can access the support they need.
The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) will deliver dedicated health and wellbeing services to HIA victims and survivors. This will include: dedicated health and wellbeing caseworkers; psychological therapies and other talking therapies; disability aids; support for those with persistent pain; welfare support; drop-in and social support; personal development; and, when COVID restrictions allow, complementary therapies.
Officials, along with staff from VSS and the Interim Advocate’s Office, are continuing to engage with the victims and survivors groups regarding the design and implementation of the service.
Going forward the Executive Office will rely heavily on advice from the new Commissioner, Fiona Ryan, who takes up office on 14 December 2020– a further key step in the implementation of the Hart report. She, in turn, will engage with victims and survivors, including through the new Advisory Panel.