Outreach counselling for victims of abuse and violence

THE Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) has begun outreach counselling services in the Ballinasloe area. This is a completely confidential counselling service for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence and will be available one day per week in a discreet central location. All counselling will be provided by a fully trained and experienced counsellor. Former mayor of Ballinasloe and current chairman of Creagh Community Council John Molloy has welcomed the new unit. â€Å“This is a vital and most welcome service in Ballinasloe, which will give professional counselling and psychotheraphy to the many victims of sexual violence in the area who urgently need to talk confidentially to people specially trained to help and support vulnerable victims of this most person-destroying experience.â€Â The GRCC is a charitable organisation that is partly funded by the HSE. Last yearâ€â„¢s funding cutbacks were particularly severe and this has resulted in long waiting lists and increased pressure on services. The charity is more dependent than ever on fundraising for the provision of its core services. It will cost in the region of €6,000 per year to provide outreach services in Ballinasloe and members of the public are asked to support the GRCCâ€â„¢s flag day on June 7. Anyone who would like to make an appointment with a counsellor should contact 1850-355355 or visit www.galwayrcc.org.