Mayo Rape Crisis Centre forced to cut services

MAYO Rape Crisis Centre has been forced to reduce vital services, including its outreach service in Ballina, due to a reduction in its core funding over the past number of years, a reduction in donations in general and ongoing uncertainty.

The Connaught Telegraph can reveal these outreach services play a vital role in the healing, recovery and prevention of sexual violence in rural areas where there can be many obstacles for survivors to access services.

Stated a spokesperson: 'We are in vital need of funding support in order to provide and develop this service to the victims of sexual violence in our community rather than reduce it.'

In order to address the funding shortfall facing the organisation, Castlebar Soroptimists Club is organising a Fashion Show Extravaganza on Friday, November 20, at  Breaffy House Resort.

Tickets (€35) covers admission, a meal and glass of wine, fashion, fun, music and disco.

Fashion boutiques involved in the show include Carraig Donn, Annette Gerald, Beverly Hills and Sanzio for ladies.

For the men current fashions will be exhibited by Padraic McHale and Unit 7.

Tickets are available from Exclusive Fabrics, Main Street, Castlebar, or by ringing (087) 610 8144 for further information.