To mark International Women’s Day on Monday, Alcohol Forum Ireland hosted a ‘Rest and Recover’ event for women who have been impacted by alcohol harm.
The event, at Castlegrove house yesterday, was supported by Healthy Ireland Donegal.
Speaking ahead of the event, CEO of Alcohol Forum Ireland, Paula Leonard, said the way that women experience the harm from alcohol can be very different for many reasons.
“We also know that women who are mothers can be particularly reluctant to seek help and support.
“Every day in our services we see that women are afraid that seeking help will trigger concerns about their ability to parent and care for children. This is very real for many women and can be a significant barrier to accessing support.
“Also, many women are deeply impacted by a family member’s drinking or drug use.”
Ms Leonard said Alcohol Forum Ireland is delighted to have marked the occasion by bringing women together to support each other, share stories and to spread hope.
“Living in a home impacted by alcohol harm can be tough. Changing your life and taking the sober path can be tough. But every day women are making changes and we will be inspired on the day by hearing some of those stories of hope and resilience.”
Gwen McKenna from the Family Addiction Support Network in Cavan, knows too well the impact that addiction can have on the family.
Speaking at the event, she described it as “like a black hole the whole family gets sucked into”.
Passionate about the need for families to heal and support each other, Gwen shared her experiences as a mother as a way of giving hope to others.
Justine Higgins from ARC Recovery in Derry also shared her own journey to recovery and how peer support and being part of a recovery community has been an important part of her journey.
“We do not heal in isolation”, said Justine.
Closer to home, Alcohol Forum Ireland’s Regional Family Support manager spoke about the types of safe, supportive and effective services that Alcohol Forum Ireland have been providing to families here in the county for nearly 20 years.
The day was a celebration of women, and along with taster self-care sessions in hand reflexology and breath work, there was afternoon tea in the beautiful surroundings of Castlegrove house.
Paula Leonard, Alcohol Ireland Forum, back row, second from right, pictured with other speakers at the ‘Rest and Recover’ event in Letterkenny to mark International Women’s Day.
