MYRIAM Cottage will never be promoted for it’s location for a specific reason. It is a safe haven for women in desperate need of accommodation as they are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or undiagnosed PTSD symptoms.

Often these ladies need confidential safe lodgings and require collaborative support for healing to take place, says President of the complex Alicia Ann Wade. “We provide support to women who are fleeing mental health issues or at risk of homelessness. We aim to empower our residents to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Our services are so important as we see the increasing percentages of these local issues, which are all on the rise in our community. We understand that our haven is very much needed in this community.”

Relying on funding from grants, donations and fundraising, the volunteers are a mixture of formally qualified mental health, counsellors, disability, nursing and crisis workers and also have valuable “lived experience”.

The founder of Myriam Cottage is Marie Gibbon who wanted to honor her mother Myriam by fulfilling her mother’s greatest desire; to provide a home for the homeless and the poor. The family purchased the property as an interim measure until such time that Myriam Cottage could purchase the house in its own right.

Myriam Cottage is a “shared house facility” with 4 single bedrooms. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and several outside spaces where residents can enjoy some peaceful and restful alone times.

Since commencement of operation in 2016 the cottage has run at full capacity with a ‘waiting list”. More than 80 women have been provided with supported accommodation, with many obtaining employment before leaving and have kept in touch with staff often at times referring other women in need.

For further details, visit their website on https://myriamcottage2016.wixsite.com/myriam-cottage