As public health restrictions are changing, proper hand washing, respiratory hygiene and social distancing are even more important.
We are still at risk of a large surge of infection. Everyone should use their judgement and follow advice from the HSE and Department of Health to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
You can find reliable information and updates on COVID-19 here:
During a crisis such as COVID-19 health services are under increased pressure to respond to the health needs of the public. Women may be concerned that their access to women specific healthcare may be affected due to increased demand for COVID-19 related care services.
The Department of Justice and Equality has provided health advice and information for people living in direct provision. You can find out more on their website here.
The Accomodation Centres website also has newsletters in 6 languages with up to date health advice for people living in direct provision, you can find them here.
Find information on reducing the risk of COVID-19 during sex, contraception prescriptions, crisis pregnancy services, and STI services on our Minding your Sexual Health and Wellbeing page here.
Dublin Well Woman Centre provides support to women around crisis pregnancy, including Crisis or Unplanned Pregnancy Counselling, and After-Abortion Counselling. They also provide access to Early Medical Abortions for women. Dublin Well Woman Centre has made some adjustments to their services.
The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) is Ireland’s leading sexual health charity, providing sexual and reproductive healthcare, including Early Medical Abortion services and post abortion counselling. To protect the health and safety of their clients and staff, IFPA have made important changes to the ways they deliver care.
Abortion services will continue to be provided.
You need to have a pre-abortion consultation before having an abortion. You can have this consultation over the phone or by video link. This is a temporary change during the coronavirus outbreak. If the doctor needs to see you in person, they will tell you.
HSE face-to-face services may not be available during the coronavirus outbreak. You may still be able to access counselling over the phone during this time. Please contact any of the services listed on the HSE website for further information. You can find their contact details here.
HSE My Options provides support and information for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. The service continues to operate as normal during this time. Freephone 1800 828 010 or visit myoptions.ie.
Dublin Well Woman Centre provides support to women around crisis pregnancy, including Crisis or Unplanned Pregnancy Counselling, and After-Abortion Counselling. They also provide access to Early Medical Abortions for women. Dublin Well Woman Centre has made some adjustments to their services.
Find out how to access Well Woman Centre crisis pregnancy services here.
The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) is Ireland’s leading sexual health charity, providing Early Medical Abortion services and post abortion counselling.
To support women and girls who are experiencing an unintended pregnancy or a pregnancy that has become a crisis during the Covid19 pandemic, the IFPA has launched a series of videos to assist women who need abortion care. Watch these videos on the IFPA website.
To protect the health and safety of their clients and staff, IFPA have made important changes to the ways they deliver care.
Find out how to access IFPA crisis pregnancy services here.
There have been some changes to some hospital services because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
People with an impaired immune system (including due to cancer treatment) are at higher risk of severe illness due to coronavirus.
The National Screening Service (NSS) began a phased resumption of its screening programmes in early July 2020, as follows:
Find updates on available services on the National Screening Service website. You can also phone their freephone information line on 1800 45 45 55.
The HSE has a confidential freephone helpline for those seeking support, information, guidance and referral on anything to do with substance use and alcohol. You can phone the helpline on 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm or email them on helpline@hse.ie
Find a list of addiction support services on the HSE website here.
The Drugs.ie service directory can help you find the contact details for local support services.
Find more information and supports on the Drugs.ie website.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Find details about AA meetings on their website.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a non-profit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem
Find details about Narcotics Anonymous meetings here.
Narcotics Anonymous International also provide online supports.
Find details of international online supports here.
SMART Recovery Online (SROL) is an online community where individuals with addiction, their Family & Friends, and other specialized audiences can interact with SMART Recovery volunteers and each other to aid in overcoming addiction.
Find details of their online groups here.
If your organisation is offering supports for women or has resources relevant to women during COVID-19 please email them to Silke at silkep@nwci.ie
