Cavan bookshop offers 'Safe Space' for young people

Centra Miller's Glen in Swords say kids can wait in the store if they “ever felt unsafe or needed any assistance”

The newly opened Candlelight Books in Cavan Town has taken inspiration from a Dublin-based retailer and is offering their store as a 'Safe Place' for children in an emergency.

In a post shared on social media, the owners, Jessica and Paddy, and their son Ben Fitzhenry, note that Centra Miller's Glen in Swords have offered so that schoolkids are welcome to wait in the store if they “ever felt unsafe or needed any assistance” or if they missed the bus.

The shop has also said kids can also use their phones to call their parents if they have no credit.

A spokesperson for the convenience store said on Facebook: “We are a new addition to the area but we want to let parents and children know that we are a safe place for you to go if you ever feel unsafe or need any assistance or if there is an emergency like your child missed the bus, or has no credit to ring you, please tell them to come to the store, rather than have them hang around outside.

“They can call you from the shop and wait for you here. It’s an option to keep in mind so they are safe and warm.”

In response, and following with their own offer of comfort, Candlelight Books note that “times are tough but together we can try make a difference”.

They add: “We would like to offer our shop as a safe place to any child or teenager that feels unsafe or needs to use the phone or even just needs a peaceful shelter from the cold or rain. Please don’t ever be afraid to ask for help.”