The Junction leads community effort to restore Women’s Aid Safe Haven Garden after storm damage

The Junction, Antrim, has rallied local businesses Murdock Builders Merchants & Home Centre and Shannon Site Solutions along with Brackenwood Property & Estate Management to restore Women’s Aid’s Safe Haven Garden following recent storm damage.

A vital sanctuary for women and children escaping domestic abuse in Antrim has been restored after local businesses joined forces to repair storm damage that threatened the privacy and security of the space.

The Safe Haven Garden at the Women’s Aid Cornerstone Centre on Fountain Street suffered significant damage when recent gale-force winds brought down its boundary fence, leaving the peaceful outdoor area exposed and compromising the sense of safety it provides for families accessing support services.

Recognising the importance of the garden to those using the centre, The Junction in Antrim coordinated a community response that saw several local businesses come together to return the space to its former condition.

A safe space restored

The garden plays an important role in the work carried out by Women’s Aid, providing women and children affected by domestic abuse with a quiet, secure and nurturing environment where they can spend time outdoors, reflect and begin to rebuild their lives.

With the boundary fencing destroyed by storms, restoring privacy became an urgent priority.

Murdock Builders Merchants & Home Centre stepped forward to donate extensive new fencing panels for the project, while the team at Shannon Site Solutions volunteered both their time and expertise to install the replacement structure.

Brackenwood Property & Estate Management completed the restoration effort by carrying out a full clear-up operation, removing storm debris and helping return the garden to a welcoming and peaceful setting.

‘A critical lifeline for women and children’

Women’s Aid CEO, Gillian Robinson, Murdock Builders Merchants & Home Centre, Manager - Paul Wilson, Brackenwood Property & Estate Management Senior Partner – Mary Higgins, Shannon Site Solutions, Director – John Shannon, and The Junction, Director - Chris Flynn

Gillian Robinson, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said the outdoor space forms an important part of the support provided by the organisation.

“The Safe Haven Garden provides a critical lifeline for the women and children we support, offering them a peaceful space to heal,” she said.

“When the fence fell, it threatened the sense of security that is so vital here.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of Murdock Builders Merchants & Home Centre, Shannon Site Solutions and Brackenwood Property & Estate Management.

“This project shows what can be achieved when local businesses come together to support survivors of domestic abuse.”

Local businesses answer the call

Chris Flynn, Director of The Junction, said the project reflected the importance of supporting organisations working on the frontline of domestic abuse services.

“We are proud to support Women’s Aid and to see local businesses rally together for this cause,” he said.

“Their dedicated team carries out vital work in our community, and ensuring the garden remains a secure, welcoming environment for families is something we were all deeply committed to achieving.”

Paul Wilson, Branch Manager at Murdock Builders Merchants & Home Centre, said visiting the garden highlighted the significance of the work being carried out there.

“It was a privilege to visit the Safe Haven Garden and see first-hand the incredible work Women’s Aid does,” he said.

“We were pleased to contribute the fencing materials to help restore a safe, welcoming environment where families can continue to find support and reassurance.”

John Shannon, Director of Shannon Site Solutions, added:

“We were delighted to support Women’s Aid.

“It was a pleasure to give back to such a worthwhile organisation and we wish you all the very best for the future.”

Ready once again for families who need it most

With the new fencing now securely in place and the grounds fully restored, the Safe Haven Garden is once again able to offer the privacy, peace and security that are so important for women and children rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse.

The project also serves as a reminder of the impact local businesses can have when they come together behind organisations providing essential support within the community.

For information and support, Women’s Aid can be contacted on 028 25 632136 or by email at support@womensaidabcln.org.