History

When the building now known as Vita House was given to Roscommon parish in 1991, Monsignor Travers, the then Parish Priest, called a meeting of parishioners, to see how best it could be used to serve the people and families of the area. With other family centres being set up in the diocese, the idea was mooted and approved to set up Roscommon family centre. A parish Fas scheme facilitated the refurbishment of the building and the aptly named Vita House Family Centre opened in September 1993. Mary Lee, RSM, Registered family/psychotherapist, who previously worked in Athlone, was appointed Director and family therapist and volunteers were trained in providing parenting programmes and bereavement support initially.

From its humble beginnings in September 1993, Vita House has passed through various stages of development in terms of its rootedness in the community of Roscommon Town and its environs. Vita House has developed as a professional and highly regarded centre of excellence, offering a compassionate and caring service to individuals, couples and families.   It has acted as a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families in Roscommon town, county and beyond as a unique place of support, listening, healing and compassion.

Over the years we have seen and come face to face with individuals, couples and families experiencing relationship difficulties, parenting issues, separation, bereavement, addiction related problems, anxiety, depression, suicide, difficulties associated with mobility today, and the stress these difficulties can generate; also, many more young people come to our attention than previously. In the past, because there was less emotional expression and a lack of openness, many underlying problems remained unacknowledged, unrecognised and unhealed.

Vita House is unique in the sense that it provides a range of services that are generally unavailable in rural areas. There is a user-friendly approach, e.g. we offer some lunchtime and evening appointments and there is a policy to provide a first appointment as far as possible within two weeks of contact.

Over 100 people per week presently avail of our programmes and counselling service. Due to the current recession, demand for the services has increased considerably.