Women’s Aid Armagh Down launches Phase 1 of ELEOS – a Trauma Centre of Excellence for Women and Children

Women’s Aid Armagh Down has officially launched Phase 1 of ELEOS, a new trauma centre of excellence for women and children impacted by domestic abuse. The centre at Downshire Road in Newry is part of a three phase delivery plan.

The project, more than ten years in the making, represents a significant milestone for the organisation and for the wider community across Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon.

ELEOS has been designed as a dedicated, safe and welcoming space where women and children can begin their recovery journey and access a range of specialist services under one roof. While Phase 1 is now operational, Women’s Aid Armagh Down is actively fundraising to deliver Phases 2 and 3, which will complete the full vision for the centre.

Across the day, corporate partners, business supporters, statutory stakeholders and representatives from the community and voluntary sector attended the launch to mark the opening; and to show their support for the next stage of development. Guests heard from the lead architect Damien Morris for O’Hagan & Associates, Edwina Flynn, Wood Innovations on behalf of the business community, Stephen McClelland from the Community & Voluntary sector and Charlie Fisher, who was a key supporter in getting the project delivered. A tree was planted in the garden by founders members of Women’s Aid in Newry, in memory of all the women who have lost their lives in NI to domestic abuse.

Eileen Murphy, CEO of Women’s Aid Armagh Down, 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.

“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.”

Eileen continued, “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.”

In the coming weeks, to coincide with International Women’s Day, Women’s Aid Armagh Down will launch a public “Buy a Brick” campaign, inviting individuals, families and businesses to play a direct role in building the next phases of the centre.

The organisation is calling on the wider community to get behind the campaign and help create a lasting, purpose-built trauma centre of excellence in Newry, serving families across both council areas. The community can also show their support by walking with Women’s Aid for the ‘Together We Walk’ event from Newry Leisure Centre on Saturday 7^th March or South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon on Sunday 8^th March. Registration details are available on Women’s Aid Armagh Down’s social media or website.

For more information on how to support ELEOS and the forthcoming Buy a Brick campaign, visit womensaidarmaghdown.org .