By Paul McElwee

Manager at the Donegal Women’s Centre, Mary Herilhy, has lauded the ‘trust, courage and the healing journeys of women’ represented in over three thousand hours of counselling as the centre releases its 2024 annual report this week.

The report, which showcased a year of expanded reach, deeper impact, and unwavering commitment to supporting women across County Donegal, saw a total of 344 women attended counselling and physiotherapy sessions, receiving 3,447 hours of one to one counselling. This is a record level of support demonstrating the Centre’s vital role in promoting mental health, resilience, and wellbeing.

Among the vital services launched by the Centre were its Menopause Programme, providing a safe, inclusive space for women to access evidence based guidance, peer support, and open discussion about this significant life transition. The programme was praised for filling a gap in public health conversations and offering professional support.

Breid Kelly-McCollum, Centre Administrator, Dr Louise Doherty, Board Member, Naomi Begley, Board Member, Margaret Ridge, Chairperson and Mary Herlihy, Manager Donegal Women’s Centre.

Also, the Centres continued collaboration with the Probation Service provided person centred, trauma informed programmes for women involved in or at risk of entering the justice system. Through weekly wellbeing sessions, one-to-one counselling, and mentoring, the Centre helps women rebuild their lives, develop resilience, and reintegrate into society.

Also in 2024, funding was secured to deliver tailored wellbeing programmes for women living in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) Centres, supporting those who have fled conflict, persecution, or trauma. Programmes included mindfulness sessions, creative therapies, peer support circles, and mental health workshops.

The Centre’s Women’s Health & Family Planning Clinics saw significant engagement in 2024 with 1,374 appointments attended, 893 women attended for an appointment, 215 new clients registered, 484 cervical screening appointments, 202 menopause appointments. The Centre’s iLash Clinic also experienced strong engagement in 2024 with 48 clinics delivered, 637 clients attended, 127 new clients, 34 clients aged between 15–17 years.

These clinics provide crucial specialist support for young women and teens, delivering services that foster confidence, wellbeing, and self-care.

The Centre expressed gratitude to funders, donors, volunteers, and staff, whose generosity and dedication make the delivery of trauma informed services possible, with Ms Herilhy adding “We are continually inspired by the courage of the women who use our services. The Board of Directors were also applauded for their oversight and commit net to governance, transparency, and mission driven work.

For more information contact Donegal Women’s Centre at 074 9124985 or visit the Centre’s website www.donegalwomenscentre.ie.