Trim Women's Shed appeals for a safe space to ‘call home'
Since its formation in 2023, the group has grown to over 450 members and offers a safe, welcoming space where women can connect, learn new skills, and support one another through workshops, creative classes, and social events. However, the absence of a consistent venue has become a major challenge to its continued growth and sustainability.
'We wanted to get women out and into the community,' said Caroline Smith, Chair of Trim Women's Shed, addressing councillors.
'We are a safe support space for women and a non-judgemental group where women can gather, support each other and learn new skills. All women above the age of 18 are welcome to join, and there's no cut-off age.'
Ms Smith continued: 'We have a wide range of activities such as arts and crafts workshops, flower workshops, and a choir. We are not afraid of hard work. We are not afraid of trying new skills.'
To mark their one-year anniversary last year, the group hosted a fashion show and sold more than 400 tickets.
'Our goal is to empower women by fostering connections and lasting friendships,' Ms Smith added. 'We ask our members that if they do have a skill they'd like to share, to come aboard.'
She also spoke about the mental health benefits the group provides, saying, 'A lot of women have said that the shed saved them, that it brought them out of isolation.'
Women's Shed movements have expanded rapidly across Ireland in recent years, inspired by the well-established Men's Shed model. These groups offer essential social, emotional, and educational supports—particularly in rural areas and for women navigating life transitions such as retirement, bereavement, or becoming empty nesters.
While the Trim Women's Shed has made do with temporary venues and occasional meeting rooms, Ms Smith said the lack of a permanent home limits what they can offer.
'To enhance our impact, we need a safe, accessible and secure space for our programmes and as a welcoming hub,' she told the council.
'Currently we rely on local premises. While we are entirely grateful for the support we receive, we don't have space for our equipment… we need a home.'
She concluded by thanking the council for the opportunity to present their vision.
All the councillors expressed strong support for the group and acknowledged the importance of providing inclusive, accessible spaces for women.
The Council agreed to review possible options. Councillor Joe Fox said: 'I know how important this group is. Any support we can give you, we will do that.'
Councillor Ronan Moore added that Trim currently lacks sufficient community spaces: 'We are lacking in community spaces, and it's something we need to keep in the forefront as it does add value to the town.'
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Pollution in Tymon Park affecting local swan population in south Dublin
Sinn Féin councillor Niamh Whelan told councillors that pollution is a longstanding issue for Tymon Lake, and local volunteers are worried the water quality is now affecting the swans and cygnets there. In a response from SDCC, the authority said a water pollution inspector was sent to the park on June 9, who found water stagnating in the upstream section of the lake due to a reduced flow from the river. The reduced water level meant that parts of the lake bed were exposed, with the remaining sections containing 'concentrated' levels of pollutants and algae as a result. 'The lake bed was sporadically disturbed by the swans allowing the now blackened silt bed to rise and become surface bound/suspended; discolouring the algae and in turn, adhering to the swan's plumage,' the report read. However, this discolouration washed off once the swans swam in the deeper sections of the lake, it said. The report said SDCC was 'acutely aware' of the urban pollution issues with the River Poddle, which flows into Tymon Lake. 'The council has investigated all previous pollution reports on the River Poddle, particularly in Bancroft Park where the river flow slows and discolouration of the river may be evident,' it said. 'However, the contaminant source has frequently left the drainage system, making it extremely difficult to identify the cause of the pollution.' Senior Engineer with SDCC, Juliene Helbert, told councillors that another challenge in identifying sources of pollutants is the extensive catchment area leading into the water bodies in Tymon Park, which is 'fed into by residential and industrial areas'. 'Nature does regenerate, and it will flow through and, I suppose really, the biggest impact we can have is finding the source of the pollution and preventing further pollution,' she said. Ms Helbert explained there were two primary water networks, the Uisce Éireann 'foul' water network and the storm water network, which is managed by the local authority. 'If we focus just on the storm water network, SDCC's part, really the contributing factors to that are in terms of residential misconnections, people washing their cars. Sudding, soaps, going down the drains, very simple things like that,' she said. 'They very quickly end up in our rivers because there's so many rivers and channels in south Dublin.' Ms Helbert said another major cause of pollution are misconnections, where buildings or appliances are incorrectly plumbed into the storm water network rather than the foul network. 'We had an example of a dog washing scenario in a car wash, just plumbed into the wrong one, and that was causing a lot of issues,' she said. She added that issues with people throwing paint and oils down drains were also contributing to the pollution problems, and the council would explore the idea of an education campaign to inform people of the impact such pollution has on local water bodies. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Louth beaches to have debris cleared by County Council
The assurance was given to Cllr Declan Power by David Hanratty, Senior Engineer and LCC's acting Director of Operations and Environmental Delivery. But the Council will also examine what steps can be taken to install protective boulders between Ganderstown and Clogherhead where the beach and coastline is under attack caused by a vulnerable sand bank. Councillor Power said: "This stretch of coastline has become increasingly unstable and the erosion is now clearly visible to myself and many others who frequent the area. "It is important that we act to safeguard this section of our natural heritage before further deterioration occurs. "Protecting our coastal assets is vital not only for the environment but for tourism and community well being." He said Louth County Council told him an assessment of the area will be carried out and appropriate protective measures considered. He also commended the ongoing work of local volunteer and community groups who maintain the beach areas to a high standard with regular litter picks that contribute to the Blue and Green Flag status. Cllr Power added: "The dedication of our community in keeping our beaches clean is commendable. "However the reality is that tidal movements continue to wash up heavy debris - items like fishing boxes, tyres and even car parts - which are simply beyond the capacity of volunteers to move. "I would like the Council to intervene and assist with the removal of this type of litter , possibly as part of their routine inspections of Life-saving equipment along the coastline."
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Meath youngest Retained Firefighter hopes to inspire the next generation
Her journey into the fire service began almost by chance. 'I had no interest in becoming a firefighter until I became one. I said to myself 'you wouldn't know if you don't try,' Ms Weldon said. 'Myself and my dad just went down just to see what the story was and if it would suit me at all.' Sarah applied when recruitment opened at the Nobber station last year. Just a few weeks later, she was called for her very first interview. 'It was my first ever interview for anything, I was really nervous, I didn't really think I'd do very well but I was happy with my results.' 'You always doubt yourself a little bit as you don't know if you'll be able to do it but as you get through the courses or talk to other people, it helps. No matter what, you get to be working in a team.' One year into the role, Ms Weldon who also continues to work in a deli, reflects on her favourite part of the job - teamwork. 'Everyone picks each other up and carries each other through. Mentally that is so important,' she said. A standout moment for her was completing the BA (Breathing Apparatus) course — 'It was probably the most mentally and physically challenging course I'd had throughout my firefighter training.' To get started and out in the field, Ms Weldon completed three weeks of intensive recruit training. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'There's so many opportunities out there, with a lot of people to help you through. You learn so much on the courses but the real learning is done out on calls.' 'To any young girls or young boys - there is no reason why you can't do these things, believe in yourself. Don't close any doors.' With women still making up less than 10pc of Irish fire services, Ms Weldon is one of just six female firefighters in Meath. 'I feel so blessed that everyone has been so accepting. When I put in my application, I didn't expect anything would come back but it did and here I am - a year in already.' Since September 2023, Fire and Rescue Services across Ireland have trained 562 new retained firefighters, but some stations still face staffing shortages. To address this, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) launched a national campaign to boost recruitment and raise awareness of the vital role retained firefighters play in their communities. There are 27 Fire Services in Ireland operated under local authorities. Each service handles its own recruitment, including Meath County Council, which is currently inviting applications for retained firefighter positions in Nobber and Ashbourne. Applicants must be able to respond to the fire station within 5–8 minutes of a call — typically requiring them to live within one mile of the station. Retained firefighters are expected to be on-call for at least 24 weeks per year, with flexibility to provide additional cover. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
