We have launched our annual Christmas Appeal, asking the community in Meath to support women and children affected by domestic violence across the county.

Recently, Peter Dolan, Navan Town Centre, Sinead Smith Meath Women’s Refuge, Sharan Carolan, Credit Union Plus and Trish McDonnell, Meath Chamber Commerce came together to highlight the community support for women experiencing abuse this Christmas.

“Each Christmas we ask the community in Meath to offer a lifeline to women experiencing domestic violence in our county” says Sinead Smith, CEO, Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services. “Despite all the changes in Ireland over the years, there are still many women and their children trapped in homes where violence, control and abuse are the norm.”

This year there are a number of ways to support Meath Womens’ Refuge & Support Services this Christmas:

11th – 12th November Church gate collection in Navan
9th December Collection day at Navan Shopping Centre
14th – 16th December Bag Pack at Marks & Spencers Navan
New toy collection point Aura Leisure Centre Navan
Donate at your local Credit Union Plus
Purchasing a Mí Meath charity card

Donate directly here or post a cheque to Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services, 39 Flowerhill, Navan, Co. Meath.

Any business or club looking to organise a fundraising event can contact the refuge on 046-9022393 for information.

Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for families where there is violence or abuse at home and the feelings of isolation which are often heightened during the holidays with schools closed and normal supports are. Please remember you are not alone and to reach out, we can help. Our freefone helpline and refuge is open 24 hours a day all year round and over the Christmas period so that any woman that needs help can call us on 1800 464646.

According to Sinead Smith, “We are so grateful for the generosity of families and businesses across Meath who have staunchly supported us through the years. We are having an exceptionally busy year in 2023 and we’ve been unable to accommodate over 300 women to date due to refuge being full. Donations from the public help us provide counselling and group programmes which help bring courage and peace to women who have experienced trauma” according to Sinead

Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services are grateful to receive vouchers for any amount for supermarkets, clothes, pharmacy or toy stores in Meath. The organisation cannot accept second-hand items but would appreciate new children’s toys.

The difference we made in 2022:

• 131 women and children provided with emergency refuge accommodation (11% increase on 2021)
• 482 women supported in the community and in court in Meath (6% increase on 2021)
• 525 sessions of counselling for 164 women
• 76 sessions of play and music therapy for children
• 34 women took part in our group programmes and monthly drop in sessions

Please support us this Christmas.

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