How we can help
Everyone has been affected by the 'Troubles' in some way. For many, the impact has been a traumatic one, including bereavement, injury, intimidation, and witnessing violent incidents. Often people continue to live with ongoing stress, including:
- fear and anxiety
- nightmares
- panic attacks
- flashbacks
- depression
- loss of belief in a 'safe world'.
Barnardo's NOVA project helps with the impact of these stressful experiences. It supports people in beginning to feel safe again and enjoying life more. It can help people overcome the fear in their traumatic memories. Project staff are professionally qualified social workers who have specialist psychotherapy training in trauma work.
We offer a range of supports to meet people's needs. Working with children, young people and adults it provides:
- therapeutic support to children and families
- therapeutic group work
- creative art therapies, using music, art and play in response to stressful experiences
- training and consultation in trauma work
- staff and volunteer support and supervision.
Barnardo's NOVA project works with people living within the southern health and social services board area. We accept referrals from anyone, eg self-referrals, GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, teachers, clergy and friends. Should you wish to make a referral, simply contact the office. While the project has its own offices, it mainly offers support to people in their homes and other community-based venues. People choose where they would like to be seen.
