Coffee Morning Raises £700 for Women's Aid Armagh Down

An Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council councillor has thanked the local community after a coffee morning fundraiser raised £700 for Women's Aid Armagh Down, with donations still coming in.

Councillor Sarah Duffy hosted the event in the Newry and Armagh office of Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan. All proceeds will support the Tranquillity Garden project in Newry, a dedicated outdoor space to aid healing and recovery for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Councillor Duffy said the generosity shown reflected the strength and compassion of the community. "I want to sincerely thank everyone who attended, donated, baked and helped organise today," she said. "Women's Aid Armagh Down provide life-changing and often life-saving support to women and children at their most vulnerable."

However, Cllr Duffy highlighted the scale of unmet need locally, pointing out that Women's Aid services remain chronically underfunded. "Around 800 women are currently waiting for support, and there is no refuge provision within the ABC Council area. That must change," she said.

"While today's fundraiser raised a significant sum, it also underlines the urgent need for sustained funding and proper service provision. No woman fleeing abuse should be left waiting for help or forced to leave her own area to find safety."

Cllr Duffy concluded by saying she was proud to be part of Sinn Féin, with the First Minister making ending violence against women and girls an Executive priority. "Our Sinn Féin team works closely with organisations on the ground every day, and I will continue to advocate for the resources and protections that women and children deserve," she said.