Walk and Run for Teach Tearmainn Kildare

A good mix of walkers and runners turned up in Kilcullen this morning for the fundraiser organised by Burkes Pharmacy Group for Teach Tearmainn Kildare, writes Brian Byrne. The funds raised will go to the organisation's work providing support to families in Kildare and West Wicklow experiencing domestic violence.

The runners (top) took in a 5km course while the walkers did a more leisurely 3km. The warm-up for the event was conducted by Kilcullen's Noel O'Connell, one of the Leaders in this year's Operation Transformation 

In addition to providing immediate refuge to families in crisis — accommodation is limited, with just four units available — Teach Tearmann offers a community based outreach service helping women experiencing domestic abuse to access supports required to remain safely in their own home, or to post-refuge women who return home or relocate elsewhere.

There's a Court Accompaniment Service advising on legal orders, court process, court application process, and also a Women's Group support on the theme of Own Your Own Life. Special support is available for children directly.

Laura Kennedy and David Hughes of Teach Tearmainn Kildare.

Teach Tearmainn receives state money from a number of agencies, including Tusla, but fundraisers like the Kilcullen one are 'hugely' important to the charity, according to outreach worker Laura Kennedy at the event. "We have a lot of people who need our services. All the money raised goes directly to help support women on the ground. Other supports include helping them to advocate for themselves, dealing with housing and with other services."

Laura emphasises that domestic abuse is not all physical, as is sometimes the general perception. "A lot of it is emotional and psychological, financial, and coercive control. Many women feel isolated from other supports, so we try and help them and support them with what they need in the moment." That isolation is double edged, with victims who feel that they are the only ones going through their situation. "They can feel that it's part of their relationships, that they have to put up with it as the part of the ups and downs in their life. Much of our work is getting the word out, to let them know the information that's available."

Laura thanked all who had come to support the Kilcullen event, and those who had organised it. "An incredible amount of work has gone into making this happen, and we really appreciate it."

Noel O'Connell also thanked the participants, saying it was great to see so many people showing the goodwill that he had felt during his OT journey. "Congratulations again, Kilcullen, a great community."

Burkes Pharmacy Group will continue to fundraise in-store until 8 March, International Women’s Day. The raffle will take place on the same day and winners will be contacted.

All the Diary's pictures from this morning can be seen here. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy