YWCA Centre in Monaghan

YWCA Centre in Monaghan has maintained a strong and enduring presence within the Monaghan community for many years. What began as a small facility has, for the past two decades, operated from its current purpose-built premises, allowing the organisation to expand both its reach and impact. The centre seeks to be a place where the charity’s mission and values are lived out in practical ways, sometimes through clearly visible initiatives and, at other times, through the quieter, everyday interactions that foster community, inclusion, and support. As a busy and vibrant community hub, much of the centre’s work is achieved through collaboration, partnership, and active participation with organisations and individuals across the wider community.

A centre for community collaboration

The centre occupies a large, two-storey building and provides affordable office and meeting space to a range of external agencies and partner organisations whose work aligns with the mission and values of the YWCA. These partnerships not only strengthen service provision within the community but also create opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and joint initiatives.

Current tenants include Women’s Collective Ireland, an organisation dedicated to empowering women through community development, education, and the creation of safe and supportive spaces. Monaghan Integrated Development is also based within the centre, delivering a variety of community initiatives, including the Fáilte Isteach programme, which provides conversational English classes to support migrants in building confidence, integration, and community connections. The ISPCC delivers specialist services for children and young people, while Monaghan Therapy Clinic provides professional psychological and therapeutic support. Together, these organisations contribute to a diverse and collaborative environment where shared values create meaningful opportunities to work together in serving the local community.

A space for the community

Alongside its permanent tenants, the centre offers affordable hall hire to community groups and organisations on an ad hoc basis. This enables a wide variety of activities to take place throughout the year, including women’s Pilates classes, flower arranging workshops, sewing classes, and other community-led initiatives. The centre also works in partnership with organisations such as An Garda Síochána and Monaghan County Council to host public information sessions and awareness events, often centred on topics such as community safety, wellbeing, and crime prevention.

Faith remains central to the identity and purpose of the YWCA Monaghan. The building regularly hosts faith-based activities, including Friday morning prayer meetings, Sunday evening worship gatherings, and other opportunities for fellowship. This commitment is reflected throughout the building, from its welcoming atmosphere to the artwork and décor, all of which reinforce the organisation’s Christian ethos and mission.

EVOLVING FOR THE FUTURE

Over the past year, the centre has entered a significant period of transition and development. A programme of improvements has seen substantial investment made in both the building and its operations. These improvements include extensive internal repainting, external maintenance and decoration, the installation of new flooring in key areas, and significant upgrades to the centre’s technology infrastructure, including internet connectivity and digital communications.

As part of the centre’s ongoing strategic development, there is a continued commitment to embracing technological innovation and digital best practice. By investing in modern systems and continuously reviewing opportunities for improvement, the YWCA Monaghan aims to ensure its operations remain efficient, compliant, and well equipped to meet the evolving needs of the organisation, its partners, and the wider community.

The day-to-day operation of the centre is overseen by a part-time Centre Coordinator, who is responsible for managing the building, supporting partnerships, coordinating operations, and ensuring the effective delivery of services. This role is supported by two Community Employment (CE) staff members and one Tús participant, who collectively assist with cleaning, grounds maintenance, health and safety responsibilities, keyholding duties, and the general upkeep of the facility.

INTERESTED IN RENTING OUR FACILITIES?

Our main hall is available for community groups to rent at an affordable cost.

For more information including rates and booking guidelines, please contact our Centre Coordinator for more details: trevor(@)ywca.ie