Introduction (Back to top)
The Inquiry is very aware that it will be investigating matters that may cause considerable distress to those affected by the Omagh Bomb. From the start of the Inquiry process, the Inquiry has been committed to conducting its work in a trauma informed manner.
The Inquiry has implemented a range of emotional support services to support those engaging with the Inquiry. This support is available both to individuals who choose to engage with the Inquiry, such as the public, and to those who are required to engage, such as witnesses.
Support from WAVE Trauma Centre (Back to top)
The Inquiry works closely with WAVE Trauma Centre to provide emotional and wellbeing support. This includes providing formal support at the Inquiry’s hearings such as counselling services and advice and guidance to the Inquiry to ensure its activities are delivered in a trauma informed manner.
WAVE Trauma Centre provides support and services across communities, for those affected by the troubles, and can be contacted through their website or by phone on 028 8225 2522 if you need support when interacting with the Inquiry.
Wider support services (Back to top)
The Inquiry recognises that the need of each individual is different and that some people may prefer to seek support from organisations other than WAVE Trauma Centre, which they feel are better placed to meet their individual needs. Individuals are therefore encouraged to reach out to whatever services they are most comfortable accessing.
The Inquiry’s hearings are open to all, including counsellors and support workers from organisations other than WAVE. Individuals who wish to be accompanied by a support worker or counsellor from an alternative organisation are welcome to make independent arrangements for that support to attend.
Details of the Victims and Survivors Service, and of organisations available to help are listed here: Community Partners – Victims and Survivors Service
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 don’t want to contact the health service, call the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123
Emotional support during hearings (Back to top)
During hearings, representatives of WAVE Trauma Centre are in attendance to provide emotional support to all of those in attendance. WAVE are on site to provide emotional support throughout the hearing day both in the hearing room and in a dedicated private emotional support room. Details of their services are signposted in all communications circulated in advance of the hearing, and they are asked to identify themselves during the morning and afternoon hearing room announcements.
These services can be accessed by anyone who may need them including, but not limited to, Core Participants, witnesses, members of the public or representatives of the media.
On each sitting day, at least one counsellor is 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. On some days, where the Inquiry is aware that the subject matter may be particularly difficult, additional counsellors are made available.
All counsellors provided are appropriately qualified and accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Physcotherapy (BACP). Counselling services are delivered by independent practitioners engaged on a third-party basis.
The Inquiry also operates a remote viewing room in Omagh which is open to all members of the public, and representatives from WAVE Trauma Centre are in attendance there to provide emotional support.
Emotional support for witnesses (Back to top)
Witnesses to the Inquiry have access to bespoke emotional support services. These services are available to anyone providing evidence to the Inquiry whether by way of a witness statement or through attendance at a hearing to provide oral evidence.
Witnesses are informed of these services in all requests for evidence 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.
Support outside of hearings (Back to top)
In addition to public hearings, the Inquiry hosts other events such as information days, and advance viewing of evidence for Core Participants. Emotional support services are available at all such sessions, with representatives from the WAVE Trauma Centre in attendance.
Inquiry staff training and support (Back to top)
The Inquiry provides regular training to Inquiry staff, delivered through WAVE Trauma Centre and other emotional support organisations, 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.