A community coffee morning in Armagh has raised at least £700 for Women’s Aid Armagh Down, with funds going towards a new Tranquillity Garden to support women and children recovering from domestic abuse.
The event, hosted by Sinn Féin Councillor Sarah Duffy on Friday morning, in the Armagh constituency office of MLA Cathal Boylan, brought together local residents, supporters and volunteers in what organisers described as a strong show of solidarity with those accessing Women’s Aid services.
A fantastic sum of £700 was raised, with further donations still coming in. All proceeds will go towards the Tranquillity Garden – a dedicated outdoor space designed to aid healing and recovery for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.
Cllr Duffy thanked everyone who attended, donated, baked or helped with the event.
Aoife Finnegan MLA and Cllr Sarah Duffy
“The generosity shown reflects the strength and compassion of our community,” she said. “Women’s Aid Armagh Down provide life-changing and often life-saving support to women and children at their most vulnerable.”
Cllr Duffy also highlighted what she described as a “chronic” lack of resources for domestic abuse services locally.
“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.”
She added that she would continue to work alongside groups on the ground to press for better protection and support for victims of domestic abuse.
Anyone wishing to contribute further to the Tranquillity Garden project is encouraged to contact Cllr Duffy directly.
Cllrs Declan Murphy, Sarah Duffy, MP Daire Hughes, and Cllrs Aidan Mathers and Cathal King
