Reach Out for Support
About Us

Rooted in Care and Community

Lifeline (Inishowen) was founded in 1996 in response to domestic abuse within the local community. Since then, our service has grown alongside the needs of people across Inishowen and County Donegal.

What began as support for women and children has expanded to include men, families, and individuals seeking counselling and mental health support.

Today, we provide a range of services including domestic abuse support, counselling, advocacy, crisis response, and community programmes. Our focus remains the same: providing steady, respectful support to people who need it.

Learn More About Our Journey

How We Support You

Domestic Abuse Support

Helpline & Listening Service

Our Listening Ear service provides a confidential space where you can talk without pressure or judgement. You can contact us by phone or visit our centre in Carndonagh.

Crisis and Helpline Support

If you are worried about your safety or experiencing a crisis, our team can provide immediate emotional support, guidance, and connections to emergency accommodation or Garda services where needed.

Advocacy and Legal Support

We provide practical support with legal processes, housing applications, social welfare systems, and court accompaniment to help you navigate difficult situations safely.

Domestic Abuse Counselling

We provide specialist counselling for individuals affected by domestic abuse. These sessions offer a safe and confidential space to process experiences, rebuild confidence, and begin recovery.

Outreach and Community Awareness

We work with local organisations and community groups to raise awareness about domestic abuse, mental health, and available support services.

Counselling & Family Support

Adult Counselling & Psychotherapy

We provide confidential counselling for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, or other personal challenges.

Child and Young Person Counselling

Our child-centred counselling supports young people aged 5–17 who may be experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, behavioural challenges, or family difficulties.

Back to Learning – School Refusal Support

This programme supports children and teenagers who are struggling to attend school due to anxiety, bullying, emotional distress, or other challenges.

Parent and Family Support

We work with parents and carers to strengthen communication, support children through difficult experiences, and build healthier family relationships.

Outreach and Community Awareness

We work with local organisations and community groups to raise awareness about domestic abuse, mental health, and available support services.

Community Programmes

Training Programmes

We provide practical training for schools, organisations, and community groups to improve awareness and responses to domestic abuse and mental health issues.

Parenting Programmes

Our parenting programmes help parents and carers strengthen communication, set healthy boundaries, and support their teenagers through challenges.

Resilience and Stress Management

These programmes support people in the community who may be experiencing pressure, anxiety, or life transitions, helping them build resilience and coping skills.

School and Family Programmes

We deliver workshops in schools and community settings focused on healthy relationships, emotional well-being, bullying prevention, and family support.

Outreach and Community Awareness

We work with local organisations and community groups to raise awareness about domestic abuse, mental health, and available support services.

How We Work

Reach Out for Support
Step 1

Initial Contact

We listen carefully and provide clear information about available supports.
Step 2

Assessment and Safety Planning

Assessment and Safety Planning
Step 3

Ongoing Support

Counselling, advocacy, and outreach are provided on an individual basis.
Step 4

Court and System Navigation

We offer guidance and accompaniment where needed.
Step 5

Continued Wellbeing Support

Mental health and resilience programmes strengthen long-term recovery.

Why People in Inishowen Turn to Lifeline (Inishowen)

Specialist Domestic Abuse Service

Specialist Domestic Abuse Service

We are the only dedicated domestic abuse support provider in Inishowen.

Holistic Approach

We support adults, children, and families facing a wide range of challenges, including domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, and family stress.

Trauma-Informed Care

Our services recognise the long-term mental health impact of abuse, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbance.

Community Advocacy

We advocate for the people of Inishowen and collaborate with services across Donegal and Northern Ireland.

Local and Accessible

We understand the realities of rural life and the importance of privacy.

Real Experiences from People We Have Supported

The voices of those who have accessed our domestic violence support services in Inishowen reflect the care and professionalism at the heart of our work.
See all reviews

“Eternally grateful for this wonderful service and to the amazing staff. Thank you Thank you Thank you !”

Client 2

“I was told about Lifeline Inishowen by a friend when I was going through a relationship breakdown. I was really depressed and Lifeline Inishowen provided me with an escape and someone to listen to my overwhelming problems. Thank you Lifeline Inishowen.”

Client 1

Funders

Latest News and Community Insights

Our blog shares clear, practical information about domestic abuse, mental health, family wellbeing, and local programmes in Inishowen. Each blog aims to strengthen awareness, encourage early help-seeking, and keep the community informed.
Read Our Blog
May 10, 2026

Donegal woman named as Axa Community Hero

Mary Doherty, whose name is intertwined with Lifeline (Inishowen) was named a 2026 AXA Community Hero for her outstanding work in the Women’s Safety and Wellbeing category. A founder of Lifeline Inishowen, she was honored for over 30 years of dedication to supporting domestic abuse victims. Mary has been the face of the project for 30 years and her dedication to building the organisation, sustaining it and working tirelessly for 3 decades will never be forgotten. She has supported so many women and families and changed their lives for the better. She received €20,000 to donate to her charity. This money will be used to continue her outstanding work for Inishowen.

Read More

Our Charity Shop

We are very dependent on the funds raised by our charity shop which is staffed totally by volunteers. The shop is adjacent to the main Family Hub and is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 4.00pm. We are hoping to open on Saturdays in the near future so keep an eye on our Social Media for news of that.

We are always grateful for contributions of quality clothing and household items for resale.

Find Strength and
Support Today

We provide professional and confidential domestic abuse support, counselling, and family support services in Inishowen for individuals and families who need help.
Reach Out for Support
Registered Charity No 20200854 CHY 19971
We confirm that our organization complies with the Governance code for the Community
Voluntary and Charitable Sector in Ireland
@2026 Lifeline (Inishowen). All rights reserved.