Margaret Bateson, Chief Executive of the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS)
On 21 June 2021, the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) was commissioned by the Department of Health to identify support and services needed for victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland.
The VSS is encouraging victims and survivors impacted by these institutions to consider participating in a co-design process from June 2021 to September 2021 to help design and develop support and services.
The process will enable service delivery to be developed in way that focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors.
VSS is encouraging victims and survivors to register an interest and be part of this process to ensure specialist and dedicated services are survivor-led and meet the needs of victims and survivors.
Chief Executive of the VSS, Margaret Bateson said:
“We welcome the opportunity to commence the co-design process and work alongside victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses. Putting the voices of victims and survivors at the heart of the process will ensure specialist and dedicated support and services are developed and put in place.
“We are committed to listening to victims and survivors to ensure the co-design process is survivor-led, accessible and responsive to the unique needs of each victim and survivor. Our dedicated team in VSS will ensure victims and survivors are supported and empowered throughout the process.
“Further information can be found on our website www.victimsservice.org or if anyone would like to talk through what the process will involve, we can be contacted at codesign@vssni.org or on 02890 311 678.”