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Author: Katharina Mullen

Interior Designer and DFS transform room at NOVAS Recovery House

Posted on by Katharina Mullen

An amazing transformation has been unveiled at the NOVAS Recovery House in Limerick to create a warm and welcoming environment for women transitioning from residential addiction treatment.

Una Burns, Head of Head of Advocacy & Communications at NOVAS with Designer James McNamara
Una Burns, Head of Advocacy & Communications at NOVAS with Designer James McNamara

This is a space dedicated to providing women with a safe and supportive environment to continue rebuilding their lives. The transformation has been made possible through the generous support of furniture retailer DFS, alongside the creative vision of Achill-based Interior Designer, James McNamara. His expertise has ensured that the space promotes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, essential for the healing process.

Una Burns, Head of Advocacy & Communications at NOVAS, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Recovery House represents a significant step forward in supporting women in their recovery journeys. By providing a dedicated House for women to connect, heal, and grow, we are addressing not only their addiction but also the underlying challenges many have faced. This is a beautiful room, with sumptuous furnishings, stunning artwork and an absolutely wonderful vibe – almost like a warm hug. We are deeply grateful to DFS, James McNamara, and all the other supporters for making this vision a reality.”

James McNamara shared his excitement for the project, stating, “It has been an absolute honour to be involved in such a meaningful project. Working alongside so many generous people and businesses to create this space has been a privilege. Projects like this remind you why thoughtful design matters. It’s not just about creating a room that looks beautiful. It’s about creating a space that feels warm, welcoming and supportive for the people who use it every day. I hope every woman who walks through the door feels a genuine sense of comfort and belonging, and that this space becomes a positive part of their journey as they begin a new chapter.”

Joules Gilmorton, available exclusively at DFS at Novas Recovery House with stunning art by Caroline Duffy and rug by Kukoon
Sofa Joules Gilmorton, available exclusively at DFS with stunning art by Caroline Duffy and rug by Kukoon

DFS also expressed their commitment to community support, through this initiative. “We know how important it is to create comfortable and inviting environments and are proud to have supported several projects like this throughout Ireland,” said Amy Ryan, DFS Limerick General Manager.

“We’re delighted to have aided the delivery of this makeover for The Recovery House, to create a space where the women spending time there can feel safe and empowered.”

The Gilmorton sofa, from the Joules collection exclusively at DFS, and DFS Kian chairs, formed the founding pillars of this design, but the project would not have been complete without the stunning artworks donated by Limerick artist Carol Ahern and Caroline Duffy, paint donated by Farrelly and Co, a beautiful hessian rug donated by Kukoon Rugs, curtains from JMC Studios and superb support from the team at NOVAS.

At Recovery House, each woman will work closely with a dedicated Case Manager to develop a personalised support plan focusing on her unique goals and needs. The six-month programme takes a holistic approach, addressing not just addiction recovery but also the development of practical life skills, trauma management, and the establishment of healthy routines and relationships. This includes access to housing, healthcare, education, employment, and community services throughout Limerick.

Original artwork donated by Limerick artist Carol Ahern
Original artwork donated by Limerick artist Carol Ahern

Many women referred to Recovery House may have experienced homelessness or be at risk of returning to homelessness. The aim is to equip them with the tools they need to maintain their recovery and build an independent future. By the end of the programme, each woman will be prepared to move into secure, long-term accommodation, continuing her journey with renewed hope and purpose.

NOVAS Launches New Street Outreach Mobile Unit to Support Limerick

Posted on by Katharina Mullen

Earlier this month, we were thrilled to launch our new Street Outreach mobile unit, which is now fully in service, thanks to the generous donations of people across Limerick city and county. We were delighted to be joined by clients and volunteers to mark this important milestone. 

Our Street Outreach mobile unit provides hot meals, sleeping bags, toiletries, basic first aid to people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping and poverty across the city. With this new vehicle, we will now operate 365 days a year, offering vital and consistent support to those who need it most. 

NOVAS Street Outreach Van side

Last year alone, our outreach service provided more than 32,000 hot meals to people in need. As demand for our services continues to grow, the new van allows us to respond more effectively and comfortably, ensuring that no one is left without support. 

Recent research carried out by NOVAS in collaboration with University of Limerick sociology student Jack Matthew Copley found that over 80% of our clients use the service daily or several times a week. This highlights just how essential the Street Outreach Van is to the people who rely on it. 

NOVAS Street Outreach Van Interior

Run by our dedicated volunteers and supported by NOVAS staff, the service offers more than practical assistance. It provides a consistent point of connection, dignity, and compassion for people who may feel isolated or forgotten. 

Last year’s fundraising campaign was a great success and made this new van possible We would like to sincerely thank the people of Limerick for their continued generosity and support. Thanks to the public, local businesses, and the wider community. 

Together, we are continuing our commitment to supporting Limerick’s homeless community with care, respect, and compassion. 

Ways to Support this Christmas

Posted on by Katharina Mullen

There are many ways to get involved this Christmas:

• Make a Donation – Every contribution helps us reach more people in need.
• Sign up or donate to the NOVAS Christmas Sleep Out – Stand in solidarity with people without a home this winter.
• Buy NOVAS Christmas Cards – A simple but meaningful way to support our work while sharing festive cheer.
• Host a Fundraising Event – From a coffee morning to a Christmas quiz, your creativity can help those in need.
• Organise a Christmas Jumper Day – Bring your community or workplace together to help support people and families.

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, helps us continue our mission of supporting the most vulnerable people in our society. Together, we can make this Christmas a little brighter for families and individuals facing homelessness.

When you support NOVAS, you’re helping to:

• Provide and enhance emergency accommodation and long-term housing for people experiencing homelessness
• Offer vital outreach services and addiction support programmes
• Deliver meals, essential items, and wellbeing support to those most at risk
• Advocate for social change and housing solutions across Ireland

As more people than ever before are experiencing homelessness across Ireland, your support is more vital than ever. Every day, NOVAS works with families and individuals who are struggling with homelessness. Many are facing the unimaginable – living in temporary accommodation, staying in overcrowded conditions, or sleeping rough.

This Christmas, you can help bring hope and stability to those who need it most. Your generosity helps us reach the most marginalised people in our communities, offering not only safe accommodation but also a range of services supporting those in need. Whether through a one-time donation, taking part in one of our events, or simply spreading the word, every action counts.

Your support brings hope, compassion, and the promise of a better tomorrow. Thank you.

Urgent Appeal: NOVAS needs a new Street Outreach Van

Posted on by Katharina Mullen

NOVAS is urgently appealing for public support to fund a new Street Outreach van to continue serving some of the most vulnerable people in Limerick City. 

Since 2010, the NOVAS Street Outreach service has operated every single night at 7.30pm on Upper William Street, providing hot meals, toiletries basic first aid, sleeping bags, and emotional support to people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping, and extreme poverty. 

The service, which receives no government funding, is completely volunteer-led and relies entirely on fundraising and food donations. This year alone, NOVAS has already served over 18,250 meals through the outreach van. 

However, the van — purchased second-hand in 2020 — is now eight years old and has become increasingly unreliable. With wear and tear from daily use, it is struggling to meet growing demands. In recent years, the service has seen a significant rise in the number of people seeking help, with up to 50 people a night relying on it for basic needs and human connection. 

“The van is essential for transporting food and supplies, but it is becoming unreliable. At times it won’t even start.” says Street Outreach Volunteer Abdulaziz.  

“The van is also quite cramped, especially when we are carrying a full load of food and equipment. A larger van would allow us to transport more supplies, serve more people, and work more efficiently, particularly during bad weather or on very busy nights.” 

A new, custom-fitted van would allow NOVAS to: 

  • Transport larger quantities of food
  • Improve safety and comfort for volunteers
  • Deliver services more efficiently and consistently
  • Better meet the complex needs of those it supports

How You Can Help 

We are calling on the community to help keep this vital service on the streets. 

“Your donation directly fuels our ability to be there — every night — for those with nowhere else to turn. Please help us reach our target and keep this essential service running.” 

Donate here

Fostering relationships and inclusion: A story of love, support and community

Posted on by Katharina Mullen

Meet Lorraine and Dennis, who first crossed paths seven years ago. Like any couple, they share inside jokes, support each other through challenging days, and dream about their future together. What makes their story special is how our team at Forge Park (Kerry Disability Service) has supported them individually and as a couple, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to live fulfilled lives and maintain a thriving relationship.

The team at Forge Park remains committed to providing continued support for Lorraine and Dennis’s relationship, ensuring they both experience a meaningful and fulfilling partnership. We understand that relationships can present unique challenges for individuals, requiring patience, understanding, and support approaches.

Building Individual Identities within Partnership

Supporting Lorraine and Dennis involves giving respect, communicating clearly and patiently, and providing empowerment-focused assistance that helps them build strong individual identities within their relationship. While Dennis lives in the community and receives individual support from NOVAS, he spends weekends with Lorraine at her residential home in Forge Park.

Both partners regularly communicate their needs to their keyworkers, who help them navigate various relationship situations. When weekend visits presented some challenges due to their unique individual needs, our team worked collaboratively with the couple to explore their wants and requirements in a supportive environment where questions and concerns were always welcome.

Creating Solution Together

Through open dialogue and careful planning, we developed strategies to help both Lorraine and Dennis better manage their shared weekend time. This included important work around boundaries and consent—fundamental aspects of any healthy relationship.

Dennis brings his love of walks, conversations, radio, and gardening to the relationship, along with his wonderful sense of humour and hearty laugh. Lorraine values her privacy and has a passion for music and dancing. She takes pride in styling her own hair and has a particular fondness for anything in baby pink. Together, they enjoy sharing drinks and takeaways during their weekend time.

Combating Loneliness through Connection

Investing in their relationship addresses a significant challenge facing many people of our services: loneliness. This partnership has a profound positive impact on both individuals’ mental health, social connections, and overall quality of life.

Recently, Lorraine and Dennis celebrated Lorraine’s birthday—a truly special day that highlighted the joy their relationship brings to their lives. Looking ahead, they’re excited about upcoming “date days,” a new initiative we’re introducing to facilitate healthy relationship development through community engagement.

Abdulaziz’ Story – Street Outreach Volunteer

Posted on by Katharina Mullen

I started volunteering with the Street Outreach Team during my college work placement with NOVAS and have continued to volunteer as well as working full time with NOVAS in McGarry House as a project worker.

I have always had a passion for helping vulnerable people. During my placement with NOVAS, I saw first-hand the difference that support can make for someone in crisis. It was this experience that inspired me to continue volunteering for my community.

I believe that every person deserves dignity, compassion and support, especially during difficult times.

A typical night as street outreach volunteer starts at Brother Russell House, where a volunteer driver brings the outreach van to our meeting point on William Street. We prepare hot meals and drinks before people begin to arrive.

There is normally a big turnout. We serve dinners donated from Greenhills Hotel or other donors, along with bags of fruit, sandwiches, soup and bread, and flasks of tea and coffee. We also take time to talk to people. Clients often build strong relationships with us as volunteers and staff. They begin to trust us and feel safe confiding in us. It’s quite common for people to open up about struggles they’re facing with their mental health.

One experience that stands out to me was when we helped a man who had been sleeping rough for weeks during the freezing weather. He had lost contact with his family and didn’t have any ID or access to support services in Limerick.

That night we gave him hot food and a sleeping bag. Over time we supported him in reconnecting with services and securing emergency accommodation through NOVAS.

It was a powerful reminder of how vital these outreach efforts are for people in extremely vulnerable situations.

We currently need a new van. The van is essential for transporting food and supplies, but it is becoming unreliable. At times it won’t even start.

The van is also quite cramped, especially when we are carrying a full load of food and equipment. A larger van would allow us to transport more supplies, serve more people, and work more efficiently, particularly during bad weather or on very busy nights.

NOVAS help a lot of people through their work and I wanted to be a part of it.

I have recently accepted a place on the Community and Addiction Studies – BA (Hons), Level 8 degree at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). I will begin my studies this September. While pursuing my degree, I will continue working and volunteering with NOVAS. I am proud to stay involved with the community and support those experiencing homelessness.

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