WAVE Trauma Centre

General information

WAVE, a grass roots, cross community, voluntary organisation was formed in 1991 to support people bereaved of a spouse as a result of violence in Northern Ireland. It was expanded later to incorporate the needs of young people and children and anyone injured or traumatised through ‘the troubles’.

Today the overall aim of WAVE is to offer care and support to anyone bereaved, injured or traumatised through the violence, irrespective of religious, cultural or political belief. The philosophy and ethos of the organisation is one of inclusiveness. WAVE promotes a respect for life and an understanding of difference that is seen as enhancing rather than threatening. It affirms and acknowledges that there are ways of resolving difference other than through the use of violence and continually seeks creative ways of working through issues that have the potential to divide.

Over the years the violence in Northern Ireland has lead directly to the deaths of over 3,600 people and resulted in over 30,000 serious injuries. The Cost of the Troubles Study (1997) estimates that, “At the very least 6,800 people have the experience of one of their immediate family—parent or sibling—being killed in a troubles-related incident.” The true cost however is much higher as the relatives of those killed and maimed have also suffered ill health, disruption of family relationships, impaired functioning, substance abuse and in some cases when their grief became intolerable, suicide.

Over the last five years the level of calls and referrals to WAVE have increased. Referrals are received from those affected by violence more recently in addition to those traumatised or bereaved up to 35 years ago. This indicates the necessity of providing the services offered by WAVE on a long-term basis. This level of calls and referrals remain constant averaging approximately 600 new referrals per year. There were 645 new referrals across WAVE in 2013-14.

At present the organisation has offered support and care to over 3,600 people, a cross section of adults, young people and children. The organisation's inclusive policy means that services and support are available to everyone.

To date we operate from 5 centres in: Belfast, Armagh, Omagh, Ballymoney and Derry/Londonderry.

Services such as Outreach support, Psychotherapy/Counselling, Advice/Welfare, Training Opportunities, Complementary Therapies and Youth services are available from all centres.

WAVE is a Company limited by guarantee - Registered in NI: Charity No: NIC100204, Company No: NI3940. Registered Office: 5 Chichester Park South, Belfast, BT15 5DW.