Mums asked to come forward after remains of hundreds of children found

Patrick Rodgers, regional manager for Fréa Renewing Roots, said the experience can be "overwhelming"
-Credit: (Image: Patrick Rodgers)


Mums in Liverpool are being encouraged to come forward after the remains of nearly 800 children were found. Former residents of Ireland’s notorious Mother & Baby Homes from the city’s sizeable Irish population can now get support.

The homes and institutions have become notorious over the last few years. Springing up throughout the mid-1900s, the spaces provided refuge for unwed mothers and their babies who were left without adequate support.

The Irish government funded the predominately-Church-ran homes as they aimed to be free of misogyny and discrimination. However, it came to light that this wasn’t always the case and more often than not had tragic consequences.

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Following the discovery of the remains of 796 children at the St Mary's Mother and Baby Institutions in Tuam, County Galway in 2014, the Irish Government launched an investigation into the running of the homes, as well as the wider role of the Irish state. The report was launched in January 2021 and a state apology was delivered the following day.

It has been reported, by Humanium, that between 1935 and 1945, nearly half of all “illegitimate” child deaths in Ireland occurred within the homes - despite only a quarter of children born out of wedlock living in these spaces. The international child NGO also explained how although the homes weren’t exclusively an “Irish phenomenon, the country’s Catholic compass and stigmatisation of unmarried pregnancies drove an exceptionally high proportion of vulnerable Irish women into the homes".

Fréa Renewing Roots, a charity aiding those who lived in the infamous institutions but now call the north of England home, is coming to Liverpool’s Irish Centre on Tuesday, September 24 to deliver information sessions.

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The group is hoping to support former residents with their applications for the available payment schemes. The charity also wants to help with accessing birth and early life records, tracing services, health and counselling services and community events. The Irish Government estimates that up to 40% of the 38,000 former residents eligible to apply for a payment now live in the UK. Many are also advancing in years, and getting help is a time-sensitive issue.

Patrick Rodgers, regional manager for Fréa Renewing Roots, said, “Former residents may be entitled to a general payment, a work-related payment and health support payment, depending on circumstances. However, accessing that support can feel overwhelming. We’re travelling around Irish communities in the north of England to raise awareness and explain how Fréa Renewing Roots can help. It all begins with a confidential and supportive chat.”

Tickets for the event are free, but booking is encouraged. Refreshments will be available from 6 pm, with a start time of 6:30 pm.