Meath Women's Refuge named 2023 National Lottery Good Cause of the Year

Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services, the local organisation which assists women affected by domestic violence and abuse, has been named as the 2023 National Lottery Good Cause of the Year.

Meath Women’s Refuge also won the Health and Wellbeing category at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards ceremony which took place in Killashee House Hotel in Co Kildare on Saturday.

The National Lottery Good Causes Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities.

Marty Whelan, Chair of this year's Judging Panel, explained why Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services secured the coveted title, saying: “Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services has proven to be a beacon of hope, offering solace and strength to those who need it most. My fellow judges and I got a true sense of the deep and long-lasting impact felt by the users of this vital service and how important a role it plays in today’s society. Their unwavering commitment to protecting and empowering women has earned them the well-deserved title of National Lottery Good Cause of the Year 2023."

A HSE National Lottery grant enabled Meath Women’s Refuge and Supports Services to fund a series of holistic programmes to reduce stress and anxiety for women staying at the refuge. This included acupuncture, sound baths, weighted blankets to reduce anxiety and a new library of 154 books related to recovery and wellbeing.

Grainne Seoige hosted the Awards and was joined by a star-studded line-up of guest presenters who handed out category awards, including TV personality Daithí O Sé, retired sprinting sensation Jason Smyth, the inspiring Deborah Samorin, weather forecaster Joanna Donnelly and the talented actor James Martin from the Oscar-winning film 'An Irish Goodbye.'

Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services were presented with their Health and Wellbeing award by Joanna Donnelly, and Minister Paschal Donohoe had the honour of presenting the group with the overall Good Cause of the year award.

On presenting the coveted Award, the MinisterDonohoe said: “It has been a truly inspiring evening surrounded by such innovative groups who contribute so much to their communities every day, thanks to National Lottery funding. While each of the finalists have shown how deserving they are, it was an honour to present Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services with the overall Good Cause of the Year Award. The support that they provide to their service users is enduring and truly makes a huge impact to the lives of many.”

The Awards are made up of seven categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community, Youth and Irish Language.

The seven category winners each received €10,000; the Hero of the Year received €5,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year, Meath Women’s Refuge Support Services received an additional €25,000.

Andrew Algeo, Chief Executive of the National Lottery said: “On behalf of the National Lottery, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services, as well as our other remarkable category winners. Your dedication to making a positive impact on society is truly inspiring. It’s been an honour to share the stage with such a variety of groups who benefit from Good Causes funding.”