Women's Aid Armagh Down open Phase One of their ELEOS trauma centre of excellence

Women's Aid Armagh Down has officially launched Phase 1 of ELEOS, a new trauma centre of excellence based at Downshire Road in Newry, designed to support women and children impacted by domestic abuse. The opening marks a significant milestone for an organisation that has been working towards this vision for more than ten years.

The Newry centre has been developed as a dedicated, safe and welcoming space where women and children can access a range of specialist services under one roof and begin their recovery journey. ELEOS is being delivered across three phases, with Phase 1 now operational. Women's Aid Armagh Down is actively fundraising to deliver Phases 2 and 3 to complete the full vision for the centre, which will serve communities across both the Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough council areas.

The launch was attended by corporate partners, business supporters, statutory stakeholders and representatives from the community and voluntary sector. Guests heard from lead architect Damien Morris of O'Hagan & Associates, Edwina Flynn of Wood Innovations speaking on behalf of the business community, Stephen McClelland from the Community and Voluntary sector, and Charlie Fisher, who was a key supporter in getting the project delivered. Founder members of Women's Aid in Newry also planted a tree in the garden in memory of all the women who have lost their lives in Northern Ireland to domestic abuse.

CEO Eileen Murphy said: "ELEOS is core to the strategic vision of Women's Aid Armagh Down. We know that for many women, the hardest part is taking that first step. It is essential that when they do, they are received in a space that is safe, welcoming and supportive, and where they can access the services they need in one place to begin their recovery journey."

She highlighted the importance of the planned provision for younger people, adding: "Children are often the forgotten victims of domestic abuse. Phase 3 of ELEOS will include a dedicated centre for children and young people, which is central to what we are trying to achieve. It will support the work we are currently doing with schools and young people about healthy relationships. Investing in preventative work and early intervention for young people has a significant positive impact and will help the families of the future."

On the fundraising effort required to reach that goal, she said: "We could not have delivered Phase 1 without the commitment and generosity of our community, our business supporters and grant support including from Community Ownership and we are forever grateful. We are now actively fundraising to bring Phases 2 and 3 to life and to establish ELEOS as a true centre of excellence for this region."

To coincide with International Women's Day, Women's Aid Armagh Down will shortly launch a public "Buy a Brick" campaign, inviting individuals, families and businesses to play a direct role in building the next phases of the Newry centre. The wider community can also show support by taking part in the 'Together We Walk' event, departing from Newry Leisure Centre on Saturday 7 March or from South Lakes Leisure Centre in Craigavon on Sunday 8 March. Registration details are available on Women's Aid Armagh Down's social media channels and website.

With Phase 1 now open and fundraising under way for the remaining phases, ELEOS represents a growing resource for women and children across the region. Anyone wishing to find out more about supporting the centre or the forthcoming Buy a Brick campaign can visit womensaidarmaghdown.org.