Charity sees 300% increase in calls seeking emotional support

Claudia Scanlon, 17, a Debra Ireland patient ambassador, from Terenure, has recessive dystrophic EB, a severe form of the condition which leaves 80% of her body covered in open wounds. Picture: Debra Ireland/PA

An Irish charity saw a surge of almost 300% in calls to its helpline from people seeking emotional support during the first year of lockdown.

Debra Ireland helps 300 people living with the skin disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and their families.