Amber unveils major new development for children at its refuge in Kilkenny
Amber Domestic Abuse CLG, the domestic abuse organisation for women and children living in Kilkenny and Carlow, this week unveiled the new playground at its refuge in Kilkenny.
The €125,000 development is the culmination of four years fundraising with grant givers, philanthropic organisations, statutory agencies, local corporates and community fundraising groups, to deliver a safe, trauma-informed outdoor play space for children staying in refuge alongside their mothers.
Funding for the project was provided by Kilkenny County Council’s Community and Cultural Facilities Capital Scheme, Tirlán’s Tour de Kilkenny charity cycle, AIB Community Fund, Kilkenny Freezbrury’s community fundraiser, MCKS Charity Ireland, Tomar Trust, the Carne Group and Cuan, the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency.
Speaking at a reception to thank funders of the new playground, Lisa Morris, Manager of Amber, said: “Play is the universal language of childhood. When childhood is impacted by domestic violence and abuse, the effects felt by children are significant. Having to move to a refuge, while necessary for their safety, can be very overwhelming for them.
“Our new playground will give children lots of opportunities for safe ‘big body play’, movement-based activity that energises their bodies and enriches their emotional, social, cognitive and sensory development.”
“We’ve been working hard the last four years to raise funds to deliver a safe, trauma-informed play space for children staying in refuge, alongside their mothers. We sincerely thank all the funders whose support has made this project a reality, creating a wonderful legacy to support children in refuge for years to come.” concluded Lisa Morris.
The new playground represents the second phase of a major redevelopment of the grounds at Amber’s refuge in Kilkenny. This commenced in 2023 with the construction of ‘Acorn Lodge’, a therapeutic hub for the delivery of counselling and other therapeutic supports for women, funded by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership.
The third and final phase of the redevelopment project, due to commence later this year, will see the construction of a standalone space for children and young people to receive specialist one to one support, alongside the completion of a therapeutic garden for women in refuge.