This article is from page 15 of the 2012-12-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
WITH just hours until the Government announces yet another ‘austerity’ budget, charities such as Clare Haven are bracing themselves for a year when they may have to cut services.
The women’s refuge for families who have been subjected to domestic violence and abuse has already had their statuary funds cut by as much as 10 per cent, and have been warned more cuts are on the way.
Since 2009, the statutory funding for the organisation has been cut by € 80,000.
Even with the level of statutory funding that was received in 2009, the organisation still had to fundraise in an attempt to meet the needs of women and children who were subjected to abuse in the home.
Clare Haven Manager, Denise Dunne explained, “Unfortunately, as well as cuts in statutory funding, since the recession it has become increasingly difficult to fundraise. We rely so much on the goodwill and generosity of the local community in County Clare, not only for monetary donations but also for donations in food, clothes, emergency supplies such as nappies, baby food and toiletries.
“Our volunteers are also an essential part of our service, including those who carry out church gate collections, help out with fundraising events, such as the Clare 10K, sort through donations and help out in the refuge,” she said.
“We have already been told to expect further cuts in 2013. This is why fundraising events such as the Clare 10K are such a lifeline for our organisation.
“We are hoping to make the Clare 10K the biggest and best so far and would encourage walkers and runners to help out their own local charities by taking part in this. All proceeds from the Clare 10K registration fees go directly to Clare Haven Services.”
During the first 10 months this year, as many as 208 women and 303 children fleeing from domestic abuse were unable to find accommodation at the centre, as all six units were full to capacity.
Ms Dunne explained that Clare Haven staff gave these families the numbers of other refuges around the country or helped them to locate one, but finding a place able to accept them was often difficult as most women’s refuges are working to full capacity.
As many as 73 women and their families, which included 109 children, have stayed in Clare Haven’s Refuge Centre this year.
While the service has also helped as many as 186 in total through its support visits, outreach programme and refuge centre.