NTDC Ascend Project

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About Ascend

NTDC ASCEND DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

Confidential Services Available Across North Tipperary Include:

One-on-One Support
Information
Court Accompaniment and Support
Access to Counselling
Children’s Service
Personal Development

Helpline Number: 0879501299

Mission Statement: NTDC Ascend Domestic Abuse Service is committed to ensuring that every woman will live a life free from abuse in all its forms and reclaim the power to fulfil her potential.

Primary Purpose: Ascend work to ensure that all women have support and information around the dynamics of domestic abuse available to them when they require it so they can make informed choices.

Project Aim: We work tirelessly to provide a confidential, trauma informed service for all women and children who have or are experiencing Domestic Abuse. We do this by working collaboratively and collectively with Clients, their families, the communities that we work within and external services to educate around the acknowledgement and unacceptability of Domestic Abuse in all its forms and the effects of it on women and children. We place the safety of women and children at the centre of our work and continue to advocate on their behalf where and when it is appropriate to do so.

Project Goals: To provide a range of services to meet the demands of the project, our clients, the communities we serve and to do this through a well-informed, supported team who are experts in the field of Domestic Abuse.

Service User testimonial:

“Thanks to all the good, caring people in Ascend and the people, like myself, who were so fortunate to have found Ascend. I would never have got through the tough times without all of you. Please let people know that there is HOPE along the way”.

Ascend Coordinator, Patricia Whelan says: “Here at Ascend, we understand that making the first contact can be a difficult step; we are here to help and listen. We offer confidential and non-judgemental support and information. Or if you are worried about someone you know and need support or advice, please contact us”.

Our Services

Ascend is compromised of a small staff team working under the management and support of North Tipperary Development Company.
We provide support and information to women who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse in their intimate relationships. We aim to put the safety of women and children at the centre of our work. We aim to empower women in their lives, and to advocate on their behalf where appropriate.

This service offers support, information, listening and an understanding of domestic abuse issues. We can meet you at a place and time of your convenience throughout North Tipperary.
We offer a confidential listening and informative telephone service where you have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about domestic abuse in your life.
We will provide you with emotional support; someone will listen to you, believe you, and help you get clarity on your situation. We are here to help a woman identify her options.
A safety plan will be created in consultation with you. This can be done in person or initial contact can be made over the phone.
If we have concerns about your safety or that of your children we will make a referral to specialised services within Tusla.
We can accompany you and participate in Child Protection conferences and other relevant meetings as requested.
We make referrals to programmes such as TLC Kidz, Family Support Services, external Counselling services, Pieta House and any other relevant agencies according to your needs. We provide support with regard to the following agencies: Referral to a refuge, or alternative temporary housing through Social Work, Social Welfare, Housing and homeless services, Child Protection, Gardaí, Legal Aid, St. Vincent de Paul and many others.

Court Accompaniment Service

We can:

Support you in court on matters relating to domestic violence, maintenance, child access, separation and divorce.
Give you a clear understanding of the procedures of court.
Accompany you to appointments with solicitors at your request.
Explain the different court orders to you.
Explain what is required of you by the Courts when Orders are granted.
Provide on-going service to you throughout your court history and follow-up.

We do not provide legal advice or counselling services.

Other Services

We run a Personal Development group for women to support their recovery and rebuild their self-esteem.
We also deliver a Healthy Relationships programme for Transition Year students, girls and boys to promote self-esteem, help them identify abusive behaviour and signpost services. The sessions are interactive and engaging for the young people, promoting discussion and reflective learning.
We are part of the interagency group-work programme TLC Kidz, hosted by Barnardos, for children and mothers who have been exposed to domestic abuse.
We are part of the North Tipperary Local Area Network, Safe Ireland, and the Irish Observatory on Violence Against Women.
Own My Life Courses: The Own My Life course is run by Ascend as an innovative, creative and educational course for women. It supports women in regaining ownership of their lives when they have been subjected to abuse. This is done through short videos, structured discussions, group and individual activities, and a comprehensive learning journal. Phone 087-9501299 for more info for our next course.