Finding Sanctuary and Support: Esker House in Athlone

In the heart of Athlone lies a sanctuary, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of domestic abuse. Esker House in Athlone stands as a haven for women and children, offering a range of vital services and unwavering support to those who have suffered the trauma of domestic violence.

At Esker House, our mission is clear: to provide safety, support, and empowerment to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. We understand the complexities and challenges that come with escaping an abusive situation, which is why Esker House in Athlone offers a comprehensive range of services.

One of the cornerstones of our support system is our community outreach program. Led by our dedicated team, Esker House works tirelessly to support individuals who may be unable or hesitant to seek refuge accommodation. Through personalised assistance and advocacy, we strive to help survivors rebuild their lives and navigate the path to safety and healing within their communities.

Children, often referred to as the hidden victims of domestic violence, receive specialised care and support. We recognise the unique challenges faced by young survivors and offer age-appropriate resources and counseling to help them cope with the trauma they’ve endured. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where children feel empowered to heal and thrive despite the adversity they’ve faced.

For those in need of immediate refuge, Esker House in Athlone offers safe and secure accommodation in our self-contained units. Here, individuals and families can find respite from the turmoil of abuse and begin their journey towards a brighter future. Our facilities are designed to provide comfort, privacy, and safety, allowing survivors to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives free from fear.

In addition to our in-person services, we operate a 24-hour phone helpline, ensuring that help is always just a phone call away. Whether you need information, support, or simply someone to listen, our compassionate staff are here to offer guidance and assistance whenever you need it most.

We believe that everyone deserves to live free from violence and fear. We are committed to standing alongside survivors on their journey to reclaiming their lives and their sense of self-worth. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and build a future where every individual can thrive in safety and peace.

Contact Esker House in Athlone today to learn more about our services and how we can support you on your path to healing. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available.

Are you or someone you know experiencing domestic violence or abuse?
Call our Helpline 24/7
on 1800 662 288

Creating awareness remains a core value of the Athlone based Esker House Women’s Refuge and Domestic Abuse Support Service.

Providing temporary safe accommodation for women and their children and support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, Head of Services at Esker House, Deirdre Berry, is planning for the future with the delivery of numerous programmes within the community focused on all matters pertaining to domestic abuse.

The Head of Services welcomed recent government funding under the Community Innovation Fund which, complemented by an allocation of €165,000 announced last week, has allowed for the establishment of the Esker Project which will allow the service to focus on certain training initiatives.

Esker House has also launched the ‘Purple Hand Champion’ initiative in recent times, one which offers businesses and community organisations in Athlone and the Midlands region to participate in training, at the culmination of which, they will be in a position to recognise and respond to domestic violent abuse appropriately.

“Once this training is completed the participating business will be awarded a purple hand to display on their premises. This will alert women in the community that the business is a ‘Purple Hand Champion’ and a safe space for women to gain support and information regarding domestic violent abuse.

“We have had much interest in this campaign and are in the planning stages with the GAA and sporting clubs to host this initiative at their respective locations. Training has already commenced with local councillors and hairdressing business in Athlone.

“The success of this project will rely on public engagement. Too sadly, domestic abuse been a hidden secret in our communities and homes, people did not know what to say or do, people will say it is a private matter.

“One in four women in Ireland experience domestic abuse and we need to let women know where to go for support, we need to empower our community to respond to this, we need to show perpetrators of abuse that abuse of any sort has no place in our community,” Ms Berry commented.

Esker House is inviting all local businesses and organisations to participate in this training initiative, the aim being to spread awareness deep into the community.

“We are currently extending an opportunity to become the first ‘Purple Hand Champion’ to interested parties in Monksland. We will be delivering our ‘Purple Hand Champion’ training in Monksland Community Centre in the coming weeks and the invitation is extended to all local businesses and services in the locality to attend. This is Monkland’s opportunity to stand in unity with the women of their community and to prove to perpetrators of domestic abuse that such abuse will no longer be tolerated or excepted,” Ms Berry added.

Sarah Jayne Brennan, Training and Engagement co-ordinator at Esker House urges people to reach out and engage in this project.

“All it takes is for one person in the organisation, club or group to take an interest, build the momentum, get in touch and get working on tacking this issue.

“If you are interested in getting involved please contact the Training and Community Engagement co-ordinator via email on eskerproject@eskerhouse.ie,” Ms Brennan stated.

Esker House also launched their 24-hour freephone helpline earlier this month now operating a 24-Hour Crisis Helpline on 0906474122 or freephone 1800662288.

Article first published in Athlone Advertiser, Thursday, 4th April, 2024

Are you or someone you know experiencing domestic violence or abuse?
Call our Helpline 24/7
on 1800 662 288

On Monday, Justice Minister Helen McEntee visited the offices of the Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service on Mardyke Street in Athlone.

Minister McEntee was there to announce that Esker House was being awarded €101,903 in funding from a €3 million Community Safety Innovation Fund, and that this money would be used by the local service to deliver a domestic abuse community awareness and training project.

“This is an absolutely fantastic project that will see (Esker House) reach out to some of the larger businesses in the town, to hairdressers, salons, linking in with pharmacies and many others, to raise awareness of domestic violence and to spot the signs, to make sure people working in those sectors perhaps can reach out to help people in the community,” said the Minister.

“This has the potential to expand much further beyond Athlone and that’s why it was a successful project,” she added.

“Overall the community safety innovation fund will spend over €3m this year, funding projects right across the country, where the sole focus and target is community safety. This is money that has been seized by CAB – it’s criminal assets that will be put directly back into communities.”

Esker House is a service provided by Athlone Community Services Council.

Speaking this week, Deirdre Berry, Head of Esker House Services, said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding. We have very strong links within our community, and we are delighted to be able to provide this essential training to create safer communities and homes.”

Anyone in the Midlands region who would like to receive training or information about the project can contact: info@eskerhouse.ie or call 0906474122.

Ms Berry added: “We are currently searching for an appropriate site to purchase to build a purpose-built domestic violence and abuse (DVA) response facility.

“This will encompass 8 refuge units, community support and legal support services, specialised child and youth services and training and community engagement spaces.”

Esker House has a 24-hour helpline for women and children subjected to domestic abuse. The number is: 09064 74122.

This article was first published in The Westmeath Independent, Tuesday 17th October 2023.

Are you or someone you know experiencing domestic violence or abuse?
Call our Helpline 24/7
on 1800 662 288