Dear Editor,
Extending a helping hand to others was almost part of Irish culture when I was a child. I clearly remember my mother and our neighbours helping each other. A friendly ear was always available as was the advice of a friend. You might have been in the middle of a chicken pox outbreak or in need of a cup of tea and a chat, the doors were open and you were welcome. There was great solidarity among the women on our street. How we have changed!

Everyone is busy, no time to stop and take a breath, let alone provide a listening ear. We have become so self-absorbed we step over each other; to stop would take up too much of our valuable time. The past had its problems too I know, secrecy and silence was rife and domestic abuse went unreported.

Today women are stronger but still need support as they make painful changes in their lives. Relationship breakdown, bereavement of financial difficulties would be all the more bearable if we had a friend at hand to listen and guide us through. A Woman's Heart was born to fill the gap and provide that support.

Since May 2006, A Woman's Heart has been providing support to women in crisis. We run support groups, psychotherapy, advocacy and a helpline. If it were not for the work of our volunteers this would have been impossible. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to Tara King, Ruth and Donncha from the Galway Volunteer Centre, Brendan Smith from the DERI Project, James Larkin at Forbairt Media and finally the Galway City Partnership.

The walk for awareness is aimed at letting people know that help is at hand. Join us as we inform the women of Galway that they are not alone. The walk will take place on Salthill Prom on Sunday 31 August at 3pm from Nemo's pier to Blackrock. Sponsorship forms are available by phoning 091 596 006/087 664 1518.

Jennifer Banks,
Chairperson,
A Woman's Heart

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