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Novas’ Abigail Centre hosted a community Fete on Friday 22nd September to mark the end of Finglas Positive Wellness Week. The occasion was enjoyed by hundreds of members of the local community as well as special guests including Jason Sherlock and George Murphy.

The day began with local school children from St. Kevin’s National School enjoying a tour of the building, which included exhibitions from all the organisations onsite such as; Pavee Point, The Men’s Shed, CDETB, Finglas Traveller’s Development Group, Depaul and The Probation Service. The children also enjoyed a falconry exhibition, an observatory beehive and got to explore the issue of homelessness in their local community. The Abigail Centre is the only dedicated female homeless service in Dublin.

The days was also hugely enjoyed by elderly citizens in the community who got together for afternoon tea and a ceile, with many local residents observing how pleased they were to finally see the inside of the service, having never passed the gates previously.

The evening celebrations were opened to all the community and were thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike. Bouncy castles, games and a BBQ ensured there was something for everyone. A host of local talent entertained on a community stage, including George Murphy. The day was topped off by a visit from local football legend Jason Sherlock.

Local TD Dessie Ellis praised the event and acknowledged all the hard work done in the service. Una Burns, Head of Policy and Communications with Novas noted that the ‘day was about opening the service to the community, acknowledging how important good mental health is and fostering positive relationships between the women who live in the service and the wider local community.’