Donegal Women’s Centre proudly hosted a powerful and inclusive Women’s Health & Wellbeing Information Session last week under the banner “Take Control of Your Health”.
The event, a collaborative initiative involving key interagency partners, was designed specifically to support women living in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) across Donegal.
Held in the welcoming environment of Donegal Women’s Centre, the session brought together frontline health professionals, advocates and service providers with one shared goal, to inform, empower, and connect women who are new to life in Donegal. The event opened with a warm welcome and acknowledgements of all participants and partner organisations. An overview of the session’s purpose and format was delivered in accessible language to ensure everyone felt included and informed from the outset.
The session featured a series of short, culturally sensitive presentations from local service providers.
Topics included sexual health, family planning, contraception and STI screening, as well as how to access free women’s health services locally.
Mental health and counselling supports were also discussed, with information provided on community based counselling options, crisis support, and care pathways. Presenters explored the importance of self care and healthy relationships, particularly for women navigating new environments and systems.
There was also clear guidance on how to register with a GP, what services are free, and the role public health nurses can play in supporting women and families. Presenters from Donegal Women’s Centre highlighted language support and integration programmes available locally, reinforcing the importance of connection and community. Advice on personal safety, both in the home and in the wider community was covered, underscoring the message that support is available, and that no woman should feel alone.
Following the presentations, attendees were invited to speak directly with service providers in a relaxed and informal Q&A and information booth session. This provided an important opportunity for women to ask questions privately and receive reassurance or referrals tailored to their individual needs.
Professional interpretation was available throughout the event to ensure full engagement by all participants. In addition, multilingual information packs were distributed to attendees containing brochures and contact information in Arabic, French, Ukrainian, and other relevant languages.
Mary Herlihy, Centre Manager at Donegal Women’s Centre, said the event was rooted in inclusivity and belonging. “This event was about connection. Women who are new to Donegal need to know they belong here and that their health, dignity, and wellbeing matter to all of us.”
Detective Inspector Siobhán Mollahan from the Donegal Garda Divisional Protective Services Unit highlighted the importance of safety and trust. “Today was about reassurance, letting women know they have the right to feel safe, to be safe, and that the support is there when they need it. Our door is always open.”
Shirley Cronin, HSE Social Inclusion Intercultural Lead, echoed that sentiment, noting, “Health belongs to everyone, no matter where they come from. We are here to remove barriers and make sure all women feel seen, respected, and included in our healthcare system.”
Noeleen Devenney, Interim Therapeutic Services Manager at the Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, added: “We want women to know they are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible in every language, from every background, in every corner of this county.”
The event was made possible thanks to the collaboration between Donegal Women’s Centre, the HSE Social Inclusion Unit, the Garda Protective Services Unit, the Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, and Clinical Nurse Specialists from SATU (Sexual Assault Treatment Unit).
Donegal Women’s Centre extends heartfelt thanks to all contributing organisations, interpreters, volunteers, and above all, the women who participated. Their presence, voices, and questions gave the session meaning and energy, and reaffirmed the importance of continued partnership and outreach.
For more information about the services available at Donegal Women’s Centre, visit www.donegalwomenscentre.ie or contact 074 9124985.
