Novas Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2022
Previously, NOVAS provided 40 units of single-room accommodation for
women in Dublin. In 2021, due to a multiple-site relocation of our incumbent
service, the number of single rooms was reduced to 18. While the reduction
in single rooms enabled capacity for additional homeless women, it created
significant challenges in supporting those with the most complex needs who
have experienced enduring trauma in their lives. Single rooms permit a degree
of safety and privacy that promotes recovery and engagement that is not
possible within shared sleeping arrangements.
Despite shared accommodation, we have made significant inroads in
transforming the physical environments of our women’s services, both inside
and out, to reflect our trauma informed approach to service delivery. We have
created tranquil spaces for time alone and key-working sessions, as well as
maximising garden and courtyard spaces to extend the physical footprint of
the buildings. This has been very important in welcoming new clients and
maintaining engagement with the residents who have the most complex needs.
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