Cuanlee domestic violence support clinic to open in Mahon

A new Cuanlee domestic violence refuge drop-in clinic will open in Mahon next week, operating bi-weekly until Christmas.

The pilot initiative, taking place at Mahon Resource Centre, will open on November 5 from 10am to 1pm.

It will operate every second week until Christmas, offering an opportunity for anyone who may be experiencing domestic abuse, or who has concerns about their own or someone else’s situation, to access information, support, and guidance.

Organisers of the initiative said reaching out for support can be difficult, with the aim of the clinic being to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental space where people can explore their options at their own pace, be listened to, and access support without pressure or expectation.

Labour Party councillor for the Cork city south-east ward Peter Horgan welcomed the initiative, describing it as “an important step towards making specialist support more accessible within the local community”.

“By bringing Cuanlee’s support closer to home, the hope is that anyone who needs information or assistance will feel more able to take that first step, whenever they feel ready,” said Mr Horgan.

Social Democrats Cork South-Central TD Pádraig Rice said this is “an important initiative that will help make support more accessible to women who need it”.

“Well done to everyone involved in bringing this service to Mahon. Your work is making a real difference,” said Mr Rice.

The clinics come as Good Shepherd Cork, and Cuanlee, are seeking to construct a new €22m domestic violence refuge and social housing complex in Turner’s Cross.

In a recently published e-tender, the charities called for submissions from contractors across the country to facilitate the project over a 30-month period. 

Good Shepherd Cork is a registered charity which provides refuge and support services to women and girls who have been subject to domestic violence or abuse, or who may be experiencing homelessness.

The project, which will come at a cost of €22m, comprises the renovation and extension of the existing convent building at Evergreen Rd in Turner’s Cross, with the new refuge operated in conjunction with Cuanlee.

The renovation will provide for a new domestic violence refuge, seeing the refurbishment of 20 accommodation units and the provision of shared communal living spaces, a children’s playroom, a reception, laundry facilities, staff and administrative rooms, and outdoor communal areas.

The plans also call for the construction of two new four-storey residential blocks, which would comprise 32 social housing apartments.

For more information about the Mahon drop-in clinics, contact Cuanlee Outreach at 087-385-9743.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.