Why Philomena’s Law Matters: Mental Health Support for Irish Survivors in Britain, Fionuala Bonnar, CEO of icap
As the CEO of icap, the charity dedicated to providing mental health support for the Irish community in the UK, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with survivors of institutional trauma, particularly those who endured the cruelties of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes. These homes, institutions that were supposed to be sanctuaries, became sites of unimaginable pain and suffering. Survivors have carried the scars of these traumatic events throughout their lives, often in silence. Today, we stand at a critical juncture with proposal of Philomena’s Law—a legislative landmark that holds the promise of justice, healing, recognition and support for Irish survivors in Britain.
What is Philomena’s Law?
Currently, Philomena’s Law is a draft piece of legislation introduced to parliament through the mechanism of a Private Members’ Bill. The Bill is being championed by the Right Honourable Liam Conlon, back-bench Labour MP for Beckenham and Penge and a vocal advocate for the legislation, which aims to support survivors of Irish Mother and Baby Homes living in Britain.
On 12 of March, Liam spoke passionately in parliament about the need to amend existing UK laws to ensure that compensation payments from the Irish government’s Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, do not negatively impact survivors’ means-tested benefits or financial support for social care. This aligns with similar legislative changes made for other compensation schemes, such as those for Windrush victims and survivors of the 7/7 London bombing.
The proposed law is named after Philomena Lee, a survivor and campaigner whose story brought global attention to the injustices faced by women in these institutions. Her story was famously depicted in the 2016 Oscar-nominated film Philomena.
Why Philomena’s Law Matters
The passage of Philomena’s Law is not just important; it’s essential. For too long, Irish survivors living in the UK have faced insurmountable barriers in accessing the compensation they rightfully deserve. Many survivors fear that claiming compensation would jeopardise their means-tested benefits, a cruel irony given the hardships they’ve endured. This fear has left many feeling trapped, unable to seek the justice they deserve.
Philomena’s Law addresses this issue head-on, ensuring survivors will no longer face the impossible choice between compensation and financial stability. It aligns their treatment with similar UK schemes, offering a measure of equity and dignity that has been long overdue.
The Weight of Unacknowledged Trauma
The mental health toll of this situation cannot be overstated. Survivors often carry a profound sense of shame, one that is deeply tied to their experiences in mother-and-baby homes and the societal stigma they faced upon leaving Ireland. This shame has followed them throughout their lives, shaping their sense of self-worth and their interactions with the world.
The inability to claim compensation has only compounded this burden. For many, the compensation scheme represents more than monetary reparations – it is an acknowledgment of the wrongs they suffered. It validates their pain and sends a clear message: what happened to them was unjust, and they deserve to be heard and recognised. To penalise them again by threatening their benefits is an injustice layered upon injustice, deepening their emotional wounds.
The Power of Collaboration
At icap, we have been deeply involved in supporting survivors and advocating for Philomena’s Law. In partnership with Irish in Britain and Irish centres across the country, we have worked tirelessly to ensure UK-based survivors are aware of the compensation scheme and have the support they need to navigate the process. Our role extends beyond advocacy; as the key provider of free and affordable mental health support for the Irish community in the UK, we provide psychological support to the workers at these centers, who often bear witness to harrowing stories of trauma as they assist survivors.
This collaborative effort has been instrumental in bringing Philomena’s Law to this stage in the legislative process. But our work is far from over. With an estimated 14,000 survivors in the UK, less than 5% have applied for compensation. Raising awareness and encouraging applications is a pressing priority.
Supporting Survivors Through Therapy
At icap, we understand that financial compensation is only one aspect of healing. The psychological scars of institutional trauma run deep, and survivors need comprehensive support to address their emotional and mental health needs. That’s why we offer free, culturally appropriate psychotherapy to survivors. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of this community, whether through individual therapy, group sessions, or creative approaches like music, dance, and art therapy.
Our therapists are highly skilled and experienced in working with trauma. The feedback we receive speaks to the transformative power of this work. Survivors have told us that therapy has helped them “free themselves from the shame and guilt of the past” and empowered them to “live in the present.” These stories of resilience and recovery inspire us to continue providing the highest standard of care.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, my hope is that Philomena’s Law will mark the beginning of a broader movement towards justice and healing for survivors. We must ensure that every eligible survivor in the UK knows about the compensation scheme and feels supported in applying. At icap, we are committed to raising awareness and reaching as many survivors as possible.
Philomena’s Law is more than a piece of legislation; it is a symbol of acknowledgment, justice, and hope. For survivors who have carried the weight of their trauma for decades, it represents a chance to be seen, heard, and supported. At icap, we are honoured to play a role in this journey and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting survivors every step of the way.
Beyond Philomena’s Law, we must continue to address the lingering impacts of institutional trauma. This means not only providing therapy but also fostering a society that listens to and learns from survivors. It means challenging the stigma that has silenced them for so long and creating spaces where their voices are valued and respected.
Let us seize this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those who have suffered so much. Together, we can ensure that Philomena’s Law fulfils its promise and paves the way for a brighter, more compassionate future.
The second reading of the Private Members’ Bill will be on 28 March 2025.
