This session showcases the valuable work of Relate NI and Cruse Bereavement Support across Northern Ireland’s prison estate, highlighting the role of therapeutic interventions in supporting rehabilitation, wellbeing, and personal growth.
Relate NI will explore its delivery of relationship-focused therapies, rehabilitation programmes, and workshops designed to help individuals understand behaviour, strengthen coping strategies, manage family separation, and build resilience during times of crisis. Cruse will demonstrate its evolving approach to supporting people experiencing grief and loss, including one-to-one support, grief education, peer mentor training, and post-release services. Together, these interventions promote emotional wellbeing, recovery, and positive outcomes both in custody and beyond.
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Vincent O'Rourke
Senior Counsellor, Relate NI, Northern Ireland
Dr Vincent O’Rourke is an established psychotherapist and Senior Therapist with Relate NI, recognised for his expertise in family crisis intervention across a broad range of issues. He has extensive experience delivering therapeutic interventions, programmes, and support services to both perpetrators and victims of abuse in prison and community settings. Dr O’Rourke has worked closely with individuals and families experiencing complex relational and behavioural difficulties, helping to develop effective therapeutic responses within challenging environments. His work reflects a strong commitment to ethical practice, professional standards, and the delivery of meaningful support to vulnerable individuals and communities. He is a member of the Family Therapy Association of Ireland and the Irish Council for Psychotherapy.
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Sarah Curran
Clinical Lead, Relate NI, Northern Ireland
Sarah Curran is an established psychotherapist, Clinical Lead, counsellor, clinical supervisor, and trainer who provides strategic leadership within the Relate NI clinical setting. She has extensive experience working within prison services, supporting prisoners and their families through therapeutic and relationship-based interventions. Sarah leads the Relate NI clinical team in delivering practical and clinically robust frameworks that promote safe practice for professionals working in both correctional and community settings. Her work focuses on maintaining high ethical and professional standards while supporting effective service delivery and staff development. Sarah has significant experience working with in the DV and addictions field. Also an experienced clinical supervisor, trainer, and programme developer. Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
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Pauline Matthews
Cruse Prisons Manager, Cruse, Northern Ireland
With over 20 years’ experience of working in youth, community and the arts, including work with mental health & disability organisations, Pauline moved into focusing on mental health and wellbeing primarily. Now a qualified counsellor with experience of working with anxiety, depression, long-term physical conditions and bereavement. Working with Cruse for the past almost 4 years, supporting volunteers and students, her knowledge of grief and loss has deepened, with work in the community and in the prisons. Now managing the prisons programme for Cruse across all 3 prison sites in NI.