The service for adults with a history of child abuse is available locally in Donegal to provide counselling and support to any adult who has experienced abuse in childhood.
Since its establishment in 2000, the service in the North West has had approximately 200 referrals each year. The NCS also provides support and advice to parents, siblings and significant others who are affected by the disclosure of past abuse.
In a statement the HSE said: “In response to the concerns and distress expressed following the Michael Ferry case, the HSE, through the NCS is providing additional counselling services in West Donegal, for adults with a history of childhood abuse.
“From this week, Jim McGlynn, an experienced Counsellor / Therapist, will be available to see clients, every Thursday. He will be based in Derrybeg each Thursday in Dr Delapp’s GP offices. The National Counselling Service in Donegal hopes that this additional service will contribute significantly to addressing some of the needs of the local community at this difficult time.
“The National Counselling Service in Donegal continues to provide outreach services for adults with a history of childhood abuse in Dungloe, Donegal Town and Buncrana, as well as at its main offices in 69 Ballyraine Road, Letterkenny. Jim McGlynn can be contacted directly on 086 7225153 or referral can be made through any G.P. in the area to our Head Office at 69 Ballyraine Road, Letterkenny (Ph: 074 9167250).”
A number of men in the Gweedore area who claim they were sexually abused when they were boys have made statements to gardai.
Some of the allegations date back to the early 1980s.
Detectives are piecing together all the allegations and cross-checking claims against suspects in the case. They are also re-interviewing victims of convicted paedophile Michael Ferry, the school caretaker jailed for 14 years last month.
The 56-year-old, who pleaded guilty to 38 sample charges, is to be interviewed again about his crimes and his association with a number of other suspects.
Ferry’s imprisonment in July related to crimes committed