Dear All,
Caranua remains open during the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, however, as a safety measure, all face to face meetings including prison visits are postponed until further notice. In addition, for the next few weeks, our telephone support line will not be open from 1 pm – 2 pm.
Survivors with current open applications please do not worry about sending in quotes, if you are concerned about your application please contact Caranua and you can speak to your Application Advisor.
I know this is a worrying time so I think it is helpful to give you links to further information on COVID-19 Coronavirus and supports that you can freely access.
Each local authority has set up a dedicated helpline to ensure that cocooning elderly, vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access deliveries of groceries, medicine and fuels. The list of contact numbers is available to view here.
The HSE has a dedicated website with Coronavirus information and as infectious disease outbreaks like coronavirus (COVID-19), can be worrying they can affect your mental health so the HSE has another dedicated page with advice to help us to protect our mental health.
Right of Place Second Chance is running a Friendly Call Back phone service if a Survivor is alone, isolated or in need of an extra person to talk to they can avail of the services by calling Lo-call: 1890 200 709
Alone has launched a COVID-19 phone support line for older people you can call 0818 222 024 to speak with someone.
Citizens Information are also providing regular news updates on their website through a dedicated coronavirus page and have a Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) this is a nationwide service that can be reached on 0761 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 8 pm.
The Samaritans have a dedicated coronavirus support page on their website, they also offer a Freephone number 116 23 which offers emotional support 24 hrs a day, if you would prefer you can email jo@samaritans.ie
For members of the deaf community, the Irish Deaf Society has published accessible information about the coronavirus and available supports on their website.
SpunOut.ie is Ireland’s youth information website created by young people, for young people they are offering a mental health messaging support service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides in-the-moment anonymous support when you need it. This service aims to connect you with a trained volunteer in less than 5 minutes. Text YMH to 086 1800 280 (Standard SMS rates may apply). You can also find information relevant to younger people on their website.
Survivors in the UK can visit the NHS website which has a COVID-19 advice page the charity Mental Health UK has a support page and the Citizens Advice Service provides lots of useful information.
The London Irish Centre is operating a telephone befriending service to replace its usual befriending service at this time for more information on how to request this service email sineadwhelan@londonirishcentre.org or phone 0794 7111786.
I will continue to update you with further information as I receive it and if you have any specific question please contact us through our phone service Freephone from Ireland 1800 212477, Freephone from UK 0808 234 1303 (Charges may apply from some mobile networks) From anywhere +353 1 8742277 (not a freephone number from outside Ireland and the UK) or by emailing info@caranua.ie
Take care,
Rachel Downes
Chief Executive Officer