Arriving to the refuge I was the turning point in my life. I came in feeling lost, overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. But from the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with kindness and warmth. The staff and volunteers in the refuge made it clear that this was a place where I could heal, grow and rebuild my confidence to start rebuilding my life.

The refuge provided not only a safe place but also the tools and resources I needed to take control of my life again. I have received counselling, job research assistance and court help from the staff.  During my time in the refuge the staff were very supportive and informative about each step. The staff worked quickly to ensure that me and my children were comfortable and safe.

The safety planning was brilliant in 1 to1 sessions as it helped me understand and learn and put a plan in place how to keep safe in the future. The staff did a wonderful job assisting our needs. The staff were great to my children, while I was in my 1 to 1 session one of the staff stayed with my children in a children’s room, played and did activities with them.

I’m incredibly grateful for the time I spent in the refuge. It wasn’t just a place to stay, it was a place that helped me to rediscover hope and regain my strength. The experience in the refuge changed my life and I’ll always be thankful for the support I received during the time when I needed the most.

When I first arrived in Teach Tearmainn, I was broken and scared. I had been living for years in fear and trapped in a cycle of emotional and physical abuse.

From the moment I walked through the doors of Teach Tearmainn, I was greeted with warmed, kindness and understanding of my situation. There was no judgement, no demands to explain my past. The staff simply welcomed me into a space where I could feel safe and secure.

The access to the refuge was excellent.  Teach Tearmainn security was unbelievable, and it was always monitored by CCTV. The apartment was quiet, peaceful and the facilities in the apartment were great. I was able to cook my own meals which was great as I couldn’t do that in the past.

The support I received from Teach Tearmainn was brilliant, the staff weren’t there just to provide a roof over my head, they were there to listen, to guide and to help me rebuild my sense of self-worth. We had  safety planning in the sessions, which allowed me to learn how to keep safe in the future.

During the time in Teach Tearmainn, the most important lesson I’m taking away with me is: ‘I am worthy of a life free from fear and I’m capable of rebuilding.’ Teach Tearmainn not only gave me a safe place to heal physically and emotionally, but also gave me the confidence to start dreaming again.

After years of physical and emotional abuse I found myself standing outside Teach Tearmainn . I felt vulnerable and ashamed standing there.  But the staff made me feel welcomed and at home.

The staff were brilliant at keeping the place safe, private and confidential. During my time in the refuge, I felt protected from the perpetrator and felt safe. I was able to share my story in private and not feel judged or blamed for what happened to me. The staff helped me to rebuild my confidence, self-worth in 1 to 1 session.

During my time in the refuge, I was also able to receive court support and work assistance in making up my CV. With the help of the staff, I was able to get myself a job and a new home for me and my children and I will always be thankful to all the staff that stood by my side through this whole process.