A helping hand for the victims of abuse
Fiona says Jubilee House will offer refuge and support
A charity is aiming to help women and children across Renfrewshire who are fleeing the nightmare of domestic abuse.
Jubilee House came about when Erskine Church of the Nazarene was gifted a house in Paisley back in 2013. The only stipulation was that it wasn’t to be sold and instead used to benefit the church or community.
Church member Fiona McGrath knew straight away she wanted the home to be a refuge as she is a survivor of domestic abuse.
She said: “Right from the start, my story convinced them to use it for that problem.
“I was a victim of domestic abuse many years ago with my first husband.
“I came through that, recovered and always had in the back of my mind if ever I could help, I would like to and the opportunity presented itself.
“I did eventually get out. It was pretty bad. I got out in the nick of time.
“I never went to a safe house, the very thought terrified me.
“But Jubilee House is about offering services for women as well as the refuge.
“We want to give them support and tell them about people who can help them.”
Mum- of- one Fiona is now a director of the trustees and financial officer for the project.
So far, they’ve raised between £ 20,000 and £ 30,000 to get the project to this point, but the fundraising needs to continue.
Fiona explained: “It’s a lot of expense getting professional people to do business plans.
“We’ve got quite a lot of money in the bank to do the refurbishment and take on staff. We’ve applied for a lot of big grants.
“We’ve raised a lot of money so far, we know we’re capable of it.
“The house is completely bare. When the work starts it will be done very quickly. Our focus just now is on getting that money in.”
A board of trustees has been established and fundraising work has been going on for several years.
They hope to have Jubilee House ready to start helping women and children from October this year.
It will have two family units and one single lady unit and employ staff as well as volunteers.
Joanne Tarrant is another board member. She said they’ve been working with Women and Children First, Women’s Aid and Crisis Counselling in Erskine which is providing training for team members.
Joanne said: “We want this to be a place of safety and hope for these women.
“As you go on and speak to people, you have a greater understanding of what this place could mean.
“We realise we have to do this and make this work.
“Domestic abuse is such a big issue.”
On Saturday, Jubilee House is holding a fundraising event at Erskine Church of the Nazarene, in Rashielee Road. There will be a fire engine, bouncy castle, coffee shop, performance by Erskine Harmony Choir, tuck shop, treasure hunt, drinks and snacks, face painting, nail painting, home backing, Karen McIver Dance Group, popcorn and a prize draw.
Entry is £1 for adults and 50p for children, which includes a drink and a cake.
Go along between 11am and 4pm for an afternoon of fun which is all for a great cause.
For more information on Jubilee House, go to jubileehousescotland. com or facebook. com/ jubileehousescotland