The Irish Women’s Service is a specialist mental health initiative dedicated to supporting Irish women and women of Irish heritage living in London. As the Maya Centre’s longest-running specialist service, it offers a safe, culturally sensitive space for women to explore issues related to their culture, heritage, and identity.
Who is this for?
- Irish women and women of Irish descent, including those from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
- Traveller, migrant, and migrant-descendant communities
- Women of any faith, race, sexual orientation, or neurotype
What does the service offer?
- Specialist mental health support tailored to the unique experiences of Irish women
- Therapeutic support for those affected by transgenerational trauma, gender-based violence, abuse, trauma, and loss
- Understanding and support for survivors of institutional abuse, multi-heritage women, and Traveller women
The service recognises the complexity of Irish female identities and the impact of minoritisation, isolation, and loss of identity, especially for those separated from their ancestral land or community. All therapists are experienced in working with the intersection of Irish identity and women’s lived experiences.
Eligibility:
- Women aged 18 or over
- Low-income
- Living in London (priority for Islington and surrounding boroughs)
- Born in any of the 32 counties of Ireland (including Northern Ireland) or with at least one Irish grandparent
How to access: To apply, tick the relevant box on the referral form or call the Maya Centre for more information. Contact us for details.
Cost: This service is free for eligible women, thanks to support from the Emigrant Support Programme of the Irish Government.
Women aged 18 or over, low-income, living in London (priority for Islington and surrounding boroughs), and either born in Ireland (including Northern Ireland) or with at least one Irish grandparent.