A local woman who is a survivor of childhood abuse is set to launch a mental health app in a effort to help others.
Claire Smith from Shercock, a 38-year-old mother-of-four and survivor of long-term sexual abuse believes the app will save lives.
She is turning her personal tragedy into purpose with the launch of a new mobile app designed to support people struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Claire endured nearly a decade of sexual abuse at the hands of her father, Seamus Byrne.
In 2012, she bravely waived her right to anonymity when her father was convicted, sentenced to 9 years, all running co-occurring into 3. Despite the severity of the abuse, he served three years in prison, after his release he died in 2020. To be able to move on with her live and release the anger she had due to the abuse that was perpetrated by someone that was meant to protect her, she said that she managed to forgive her father just before he died.
Claire is also in the final stages of completing her memoir, The Girl From The Shadow, which explores her journey through trauma, motherhood, and self-acceptance. The book, which she hopes to publish soon, has been instrumental in helping her make peace with the past and reclaim her voice. The Co Cavan mother is encouraging anyone struggling with trauma, abuse, or mental health issues to reach out and seek support.
To support development of the app, Claire has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a fundraising target of €15,000. To date, over €1,800 has been raised. The funds will go toward building the app infrastructure, developing content, and ensuring accessibility for users in need of immediate support.
