AN appeal is being made to local people and businesses to help refurbish a house which provides refuge for women and children affected by domestic violence.
The house in Portadown is run by Craigavon and Banbridge Women’s Aid and last year accommodated 122 families.
The scheme to refurbish it is being supported by Soroptimist International of Portadown, a worldwide organisation for women which works t
o advance human rights and the status of women.
Craigavon and Banbridge Women’s Aid works with over 800 families every year and the safe accommodation provided at the house is just one of the ways in which the charity supports families affected by domestic violence.
According to Maureen Maguire, president of Soroptimist International Portadown, the house is in real need of a face-lift. She said, “Every year, some 200 women and children have used these facilities – so imagine the wear and tear. During the year March 2007 to April 2008, 122 families have been accommodated.
“Current funding is limited. Women’s Aid, like other charities, struggle to provide the nicer and sometimes basic requirements such as redecoration and replacement household goods and sundries.”
The house has 11 units for families and one single unit. Each family has its own bedroom, which includes a sink, and a number of areas are shared by all clients.
These are a kitchen, lounge, playroom, three bathrooms, shower rooms, a disability room with ensuite bathroom, therapy room for consultation and activities, and a large room for volunteer groups and talks.
Maureen said the local Soroptimist group is concentrating on two clearly identified needs - redecoration of the house and emergency supplies of food vouchers.
She said, “It is apparent that when women and children enter the safe accommodation, sometimes as a result of a crisis situation, there are requirements for immediate items such as food, toiletries, cuddly toys and, in some instances, clothes.
“Some families arrive with nothing and it can take time for residents to get a job or become fit for work. Also, benefits can take time to come through.
“Whilst funding is received from three main sources – Housing Benefit, Supporting People and from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust - the monies received are at a set level and combined do not cover all of the running costs incurred by safe accommodation.
“There is always a projected shortfall in this budget and Women’s Aid constantly has to seek out further funding from other sources.”
Local businesses and individuals are being asked to help in whatever way possible, either through service, donations or a mixture of both.
Areas that need to be funded include the hire of a painter at approximately £60 per room, paint, bed linen, curtains, furniture, items for the playroom, food vouchers for families needing emergency supplies and grammar and secondary school uniforms.
“Even just donating just one item would be really appreciated, “ said Maureen.
Anyone interested in helping out in any way should contact Soroptomists Joanne Harris on 07926192941 or Maureen Maguire on 07796951857.
The full article contains 510 words and appears in Portadown Times newspaper.
