The newly renovated rape crisis centre in Ennis will open today.
Rape Crisis Midwest is a regional organisation serving Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. The organisation provides support and counselling to men and women who were sexually abused as children or recently raped/sexually assaulted.
In addition, we provide Garda and Court accompaniment as well as training and education programmes. We rely heavily on volunteers to deliver our services.
The Clare service operates from Tracklands Business Park in Ennis and is open 2-3 days a week. It is managed by local counsellor and psychotherapist Anne Ginnane.
The office receives no Government funding for the overheads connected with this centre and fundraise in the community to bridge the shortfall. Over the last number of years, the centre in Ennis was in need of refurbishment.
Anne Ginnane, Manager and psychotherapist with Ennis centre said: “We did not have any finances to carry out these works. We reached out to the corporate community to seek support and wrote a letter to GECAS in Shannon seeking support along with a wish list of what was required. They responded and approved funding to renovate the small office. We saved on costs where necessary and would like to thank Shanahan Paints in Ennis who painted the centre for free along with other local suppliers who provided furniture and carpets at a reduced cost”.
Mary Howard Cllr and committee member: “I welcome the re-opening of our newly decorated Ennis centre. The Ennis centre provides an invaluable support to those who have been affected by any form of sexual abuse. Our Ennis centre is a safe haven for those who use it. Its location is discreet and tucked away from prying eyes. I have been involved with Rape Crisis Midwest as an advocate and fundraising volunteer for a number of years. I find our work to be very rewarding where we meet and work with the most amazing of people”