With more than 800 enquiries in its first 12 months, FASD Hub Ireland® celebrated its first birthday on 27^th March, and this coincided with registered trademarks being granted for the service in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Plans to launch a telephone helpline and operate a pilot were supported with funding from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Academy 2022 and Action Lab 2023 programmes. FASD Hub Ireland® launched in March 2023 providing confidential support, advice and signposting about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) not previously available in Ireland. The telephone helpline and web-based service is available to help anyone living with FASD, their parents, carers and also any professionals who might work with someone living with the condition. 

FASD Hub Ireland® is based on similar support services provided in other countries where FASD is a recognised disability and funded by government agencies. Since the launch here in Ireland, there has been an increased awareness about FASD, especially from people hearing about the condition for the first time. The HSE estimated in September 2022 that as many as 7.4% of the Irish population are living with FASD and  most of those people will have other diagnosis, such as ADHD and ASD, whilst not being aware that FASD is perhaps their underlying condition.

Chief Executive Officer of FASD Ireland, Tristan Casson-Rennie said, “It is safe to say that FASD Hub Ireland has been a life changer and life saver given some of the enquiries we have received over the last 12 months. We weren’t sure if there would be much uptake at the start, given the lack of awareness about the condition and no diagnosis pathway available.” He continued, “However the first call arrived within 10 minutes of the Hub opening. Enquiries have ranged from parents and carers wanting to find out more, or who are in crisis, to a gentleman in his 70’s who suspects he is living with FASD and wanted to share his coping strategies. Many professionals from Teachers to Social Workers and GPs have called for guidance and signposting. It is clear that because of the lack of a diagnosis pathway and funded support, people have nowhere to go when they realise they may be living with FASD and need help and advice.”

FASD Ireland has recently been awarded funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to continue to provide the service.  Mr Casson-Rennie said, “Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte TD has been a fantastic supporter of our work, and has been able to identify and secure funding which has allowed us to employ an experienced Hub Coordinator. FASD Hub Ireland is continuously evolving. With new research and information being updated from around the globe, we have to ensure that all of our team are current, whilst ensuring every enquiry is responded to with the empathy and understanding that is deserved.”

FASD Hub Ireland® is open Monday to Friday, 10am until 4pm. Call 065 670 3098 or contact via their webform: www.fasdhub.ie