Council funding for initiatives to support ending violence against women and girls

Sixteen local community and voluntary groups have been awarded funding by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to help deliver work in support of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategy

The EVAWG Strategy aims to tackle violence, abuse and harm experienced by women and girls which continues to be a serious issue that affects many in our society.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Phillip Campbell launches the EVAWG Project at the Crisis Café, Newry and is pictured with (from L to R) Laura Cummings Crisis Café Treasurer, Lauren Mallon Crisis Cafe Volunteer, Grainne Graham Crisis Café Co-Founder, Fionntán Gregory Crisis Café Board Member, Eddie Podgorna Crisis Café Volunteer, Martina Flynn Head of Engagement Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Rachel McClurg Crisis Café Project Worker and Jorja Magee Crisis Café Group Facilitator.

placeholder image — Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Phillip Campbell launches the EVAWG Project at the Crisis Café, Newry and is pictured with (from L to R) Laura Cummings Crisis Café Treasurer, Lauren Mallon Crisis Cafe Volunteer, Grainne Graham Crisis Café Co-Founder, Fionntán Gregory Crisis Café Board Member, Eddie Podgorna Crisis Café Volunteer, Martina Flynn Head of Engagement Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Rachel McClurg Crisis Café Project Worker and Jorja Magee Crisis Café Group Facilitator.

The funded groups will deliver a variety of activities, including workshops promoting education on healthy and respectful relationships, sessions challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes, and youth-led projects providing safe spaces for young women and girls.

A local Shared Learning event will also bring all the funded groups together, giving them the opportunity to connect, share ideas and explore ways to collaborate.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell recently visited the Crisis Café in Newry to meet young people involved in the delivery of one of the successful projects.

The council chairperson said, “Violence against women and girls has no place in our communities. I am proud that the Council is working alongside local and regional organisations to support real, positive change.

He added, "This EVAWG funding provides a vital opportunity for the Council to play a proactive role in supporting communities to raise awareness and offer vital support where it is needed most.”

Funding for the EVAWG Local Change Fund has been provided by The Executive Office and is managed by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

For more information on the fund visit https://www.newrymournedown.org/ending-violence-against-women-and-girls