Creating a cosy, communal space to relax for vulnerable women at NOVAS McGarry House

At DFS, we understand the profound impact a comfortable and welcoming environment can have on people’s lives. So when we had an opportunity to contribute to a makeover project at NOVAS McGarry House - to help create a space where vulnerable women can feel safe and supported - we were of course keen to get involved.

After the success of our previous community area makeover at NOVAS Bella House, we were very proud to team up with Irish creative Joanne Mooney, and deliver a much-needed makeover for another NOVAS community space in a different city.

What a difference! What was previously a storage area is now an expertly converted serene and comfortable communal space, specifically for women who experience homelessness in the city, many of whom are very vulnerable and have experienced multiple disadvantages throughout their lives. This new female-only space is the first of its kind within the Limerick project, and is much needed according to the charity.

The transformation of this space has been made possible through the donation of furniture and accessories by DFS, and has also benefited from the expertise of creative Joanne Mooney, who has been instrumental in ensuring the room's design promotes a calming and feminine atmosphere. Passionate about creativity, interiors and style, Joanne uses her social media platforms to share her expertise on interiors, style, fashion and creativity.

Una Deasy, CEO of NOVAS, said, "This new communal space is a vital addition to McGarry House. It provides our female clients with a much-needed sanctuary. Most women who experience homelessness have also experienced gender and domestic-based violence in their lives, so having a female-only space helps to foster safety and engagement and helps our clients to address their trauma in a supportive environment. We are immensely grateful to DFS, Joanne Mooney and the other suppliers for their support and generosity. This makeover, though in a small space, has the potential to make a huge impact on the lives of these vulnerable women."

NOVAS is a voluntary organisation and Approved Housing Body working with families and single adults who are disadvantaged and socially excluded; primarily those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Providing a range of services and accommodation for marginalised households throughout Ireland, they offer bespoke, client-centred services, based on empirical evidence of more than 20 years experience of working with people who are homeless in Ireland. They believe everyone is entitled to a home, and recognise the complex issues that cause homelessness and endeavour to offer holistic, long-term solutions.

McGarry House in Limerick was opened in 2002 and became the country’s first low-threshold, direct access emergency facility. It has subsequently reduced the incidence of rough sleeping in the city. The largest of its kind in the mid-west region, McGarry House now provides temporary supported accommodation for 30 men and women who find themselves homeless in Limerick City, in addition to long term supported accommodation for 40 residents in one, two and three bed apartments. This facility provides individuals with a degree of independent living, while offering support and life-skills programmes where required.

Find out more about NOVAS at https://www.NOVAS.ie/