Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew recently welcomed the President of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald to a showcase event, which was organised to highlight the work of the Chairperson’s three chosen charities: Davina’s Ark, Women’s Aid and Mental Health Forum.
Cllr Mulgrew said, “I am delighted Ms McDonald has taken time out of her busy schedule to meet with the charities and show her support for the invaluable work they do. Showcasing events such as this offers the charities a platform in which to highlight the real and in many cases, terrifying experiences people within our own communities face due to domestic abuse, addiction and mental illness. It is important this message is spread far and wide so that we all can be more understanding of the problems and show support to those at risk and to the charities that are working tirelessly to help and prevent these issues from getting worse within our society.”
She continued, “It has been a pleasure to work with the three charities over the last year and I hope that more people are now aware of the amazing services they provide and consider them as charities worthy of financial support in the future.”
Speaking at the event, Ms McDonald said, “I am very pleased to show my support for the Chairperson’s very worthy charities. These grass root organisations deal with issues which are often hidden away by society and yet they affect so many.”
Speaking about the charities, Ms McDonald said, “Mental Health Forum has provided outstanding work by giving those that have suffered from ill mental health a true voice. The service it delivers to sufferers ultimately supports those with a mental health illness to achieve their full potential and to enjoy a better quality of life.”
“Addiction is something that has touched every family in Ireland and the on-going support provided by Davina's Ark to those in recovery, has prevented many from relapse. I also have to commend the charity for the extensive support it offers to the families of addicts, who are often the forgotten victims of this terrible illness.
“The work of Women's Aid is well known however, the shocking figures of domestic violence with over 30,000 reported incidents in the North of Ireland last year is not so widely discussed. It is also often forgotten that Women's Aid not only provides a safe shelter but it also offers extensive counselling and support to women and children who have become victims of this vile crime.”
She concluded, “This showcase event has been have been very worthwhile, the work of the third sector is sometimes overlooked and this shortcoming needs to be addressed by all elected representatives. I would like to encourage everyone to get behind all three charities so that they can continue to grow, extend and improve their services and advocate for change.”
