A telephone counselling and support service aimed at adults who were abused during childhood, is to extend its opening hours over the Christmas period.

Connect is a free and confidential telephone-based counselling and support service that is usually available from 6pm to 10pm, Wednesday to Sunday. However, from December 17 until January 6, it will be available from 6pm to 10pm every night.

Callers speak to qualified and experienced counsellors, and no appointment is necessary.

"Christmas is a particularly sensitive period in terms of public need for the service. We want to ensure that we are there for people if they need our support," commented service director, Marie Percival.

Connect, which is funded by the HSE, was established in 2006, following demands from groups representing survivors of institutional abuse that an independent and professional out-of-hours telephone-based service be established.

People from the Republic of Ireland can call 1800 477 477, while people from Northern Ireland can call 00800 477 477 77.

For more information on the service, click here