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| Outreach Service |
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What is the Outreach Service? The Outreach Service is a one-to-one support, advocacy and court accompaniment service based in the local community. It is a pilot project run in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board. The service is currently based in two health centres on the northside of Dublin, and one health centre on the Southside of Dublin. The service is accessed through the Helpline (1800 341 900) or by referral from the Health Board personnel or other local services. Why do Women's Aid run an Outreach Service? Women's Aid believes it is important to offer women choices in accessing services, because every woman's circumstances are different. A local service can be a useful option for women who cannot afford travel fares; it can also be useful for women whose partners control their freedom, making them accountable for time spent away from the home, and for women who have other time constraints or responsibilities. The use of local services can raise concerns for the women who use them about privacy; there are also serious issues of risk and danger for women who use the service, and for those working in the service. For these reasons, the work is being done by Women's Aid staff who go into the local community to provide the service. |