Our History
“A light has been shone into the dark corners of both our past and present and these
victims have performed an immense service in challenging our collective
complacency. They have shown us that we cannot put the past behind us by ignoring
it. We must confront it and learn its lessons. That is the least we can do to address the
injustice of the past and the dangers of the present.”
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, 11 May 1999
We help on a healing journey as you endeavor to rebuild your life. We aim to achieve this through free classes, personal development, holistics and creativity. Our Centre will always be a place where people are not alone or made to feel different, we can all stand together with other Survivors.
Christine Buckley and How the Centre came about
Christine Buckley’s advocacy for Survivors of institutional abuse began in 1992, when she bravely shared her story on RTE’s *Gay Byrne* radio show. Her dedication to the cause lasted until her passing in 2014. Early efforts included supporting Survivors from her home and engaging in media, such as the 1996 TV programme Dear Daughter. (put link to video)
Following the programme, Christine, along with fellow Survivor Carmel McDonnell-Byrne and a group of volunteers, organised a social event called ‘One Happy Day’ at the RDS in Dublin. This event brought hundreds of Survivors together, many reuniting for the first time in decades. It marked a turning point, offering both hope and a sense of solidarity.
The campaign for justice and support for Survivors gained momentum. Media projects like ‘States of Fear*’ by Mary Raferty and Dr. Eoin O’Sullivan, along with the book ‘Suffer Little Children’, shed light on the scale of abuse. These efforts led to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s historic apology in 1999 and a series of government actions, including the creation of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, the Residential Institutions Redress Board, and the National Counselling Service.
In recognition of their efforts, Christine and Carmel received government support to establish the Aislinn Centre, which later became the Christine Buckley Centre for Education and Support. This Centre has since been a lifeline for Survivors, offering education, counselling, and assistance in dealing with government agencies.
A lasting tribute to Survivors was created in 2000, with Memorial Benches installed in forests across Ireland. These benches provide a place of reflection, honouring the strength and resilience of those who endured institutional abuse.
Dear Daughter Film and blurb
Dear Daughter, produced by Louis Lentin in 1996, was the first television programme to expose the horrific abuse endured by hundreds of children in Ireland’s industrial schools. In this powerful documentary, Christine Buckley shared her own harrowing experiences of the atrocities she suffered as a child in Dublin’s Goldenbridge orphanage, bringing national attention to the widespread abuse in these institutions.
Notable Achievements
Since its establishment in 1999, the Christine Buckley Centre (formerly Aislinn Centre) has fostered remarkable growth and resilience among Survivors of institutional abuse. Initially formed to address the lack of formal education among Survivors, many of whom had left institutions with minimal literacy and numeracy skills, the Centre has since evolved into a space for healing, education, and creative expression. Over the years, the Centre's programs have provided educational support and empowered Survivors to achieve numerous academic and personal milestones, such as F.E.T.A.C. awards, college admissions, and even a graduate with honours from University College Dublin. Many have gone on to pursue higher education, with some accepted into prestigious programs at institutions like Trinity College Dublin.
Beyond academics, the Centre has nurtured creative expression through initiatives like art exhibitions, creative writing classes, and drama performances. Survivors have had their stories published, showcased their artwork, and performed original plays, notably *Tears of a Clown*, written and led by Glenn Gannon, a Survivor who overcame homelessness and later achieved success as an actor and writer. Other Survivors have won awards for creative writing and poetry, demonstrating the transformative power of art and storytelling in their recovery.
The Centre's impact extends into professional development as well. Numerous Survivors have re-entered the workforce after receiving training and support, including one Survivor who, at age 53, secured full-time employment with the Post Office. Additionally, the Centre has seen individuals succeed in technology courses, earning certifications such as the Microsoft Office Specialist and ECDL. These achievements, alongside mentorship from the Centre’s tutors and support staff, have helped many to rebuild their lives, reclaim their confidence, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
The Christine Buckley Centre has also played a vital role in advocating for Survivors on a national level. The 2009 publication of the Ryan Report vindicated the Centre’s long-standing efforts, leading to peaceful demonstrations and recognition of Survivors’ experiences. The Centre’s founders, including Christine Buckley and Carmel McDonnell-Byrne, have received multiple national and international awards for their contributions, highlighting their dedication to this important cause. Collaborative projects, such as the *Survivors’ Stories* oral history initiative with UCD, ensure that the legacy of institutional abuse, and the stories of those who lived through it, will not be forgotten.
In essence, the Centre has provided Survivors not only with the tools to address their past but also with opportunities to envision and build a brighter future. Through education, creative outlets, and a supportive community, many Survivors have transformed their lives, achieving personal, academic, and professional success.
Development to include Survivors of Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby institutions
In 2020, the Christine Buckley Centre expanded its services to support Survivors of Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby institutions, welcoming them into our educational programs and support services. This extension was a response to the experiences of many Survivors who had spent time in both religious and state-run institutions. In preparation for the release of the Commission of Inquiry into Mother and Baby Homes report, we submitted recommendations to Minister Roderic O'Gorman, emphasizing the importance of providing Survivors with holistic support, education, and a sense of community.
Our submission highlighted the need for enhanced medical cards, housing support, free counselling services, and long-term advocacy, particularly for those facing homelessness or addiction. We also called for trauma-informed training for public service and healthcare staff, and support for Survivors living abroad. These requests align with the findings of our ‘Facing the Future Together’ report, which outlines the ongoing and future needs of Survivors and was created in collaboration with six other organizations dedicated to advocating for institutional abuse Survivors.
Ongoing Needs of Survivors
In 2020, the Facing the Future Together report was published, based on presentations from the Trinity College Dublin Conference. This report outlined the ongoing needs of Survivors of institutional abuse and proposed five key actions to address them. Developed in collaboration with several agencies, including Barnardo’s Origins, Caranua, One in Four, HSE National Counselling Service, Right of Place Second Chance, and Towards Healing, the report was funded by the Department of Education and Skills and submitted to key government officials.
The report, based on research by UCD Professor Alan Carr and his team, identified five essential "asks" for supporting Survivors:
1. Health Amendment Act medical cards and housing support for Survivors.
2. Continued free and accessible counselling services for Survivors.
3. Long-term advocacy to assist Survivors with public services, support linkages, homelessness, and addiction.
4. Trauma-informed training for medical and public service staff to better identify and assist Survivors.
5. Specialised support for Survivors living abroad.
These recommendations aim to ensure that the future needs of Survivors are met with appropriate care and services.
Our vision is an Irish society where people are able to cope with the trauma that they have experienced in their early lives.
Our highly skilled and knowledgeable team provide practical information and assistance to Survivors.
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We also recognise the importance of supporting families of Survivors and can offer assistance in a number of ways, such as referrals for counselling.
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Assistance can also be provided to Survivors in dealing with both state and non-governmental agencies.
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In short, we assist Survivors in reclaiming their sense of self-worth and taking control of their lives.