AROUND for the last 30 years, the GOSHH provides a range of services to LGBT people across Clare. It also provides testing for STDs and is led by its CEO Verena Tarpey, who says the organisation has been active in the Banner County for decades. “The first time we went into Clare was in 1995 and we did training and development in a number of places like YouthReach, Rice College, Ennis Women’s Traveller Group and Ennis Youth Service,” she said. “As part of Europe Against Aids we went to Shannon Knight’s, Durty Nellys and Fibbers and to Lahinch and Liscannor.” It is still working hard to reach the community in the Banner. “In Clare, at the moment we have an outreach worker and a community development worker,” she said. “Our outreach worker would do a lot of one to one support with adults from more rural, isolated areas, and she would do a lot of travel to them. “We go …
Read More »Rape Crisis Midwest records major increase in past year
CALLS to Rape Crisis Midwest increased by almost three-quarters last year, new figures show. Data also reveal that there was a very significant increase in the time spent on helpline calls. The news comes as Rape Crisis Midwest prepares for a major funding initiative next January in a bid to respond to increased demand. The total number of calls to the centre increased by 74% during 2020, with 2,119 calls up from 1216 in 2019. One of the other notable statistics was the length of time on calls with an increase of 77% in calls lasting up to 30 minutes. Verena Tarpey of Rape Crisis Midwest highlighted the vital work and cooperation of the Garda Protective Services Unit, based in Crusheen, in supporting those who experience sexual violence. “Without a doubt, the work of the Protective Services Unit has transformed the experience for a survivor of a sexual crime, whether recent or in the past,” she said. “The Gardai working …
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