Davina's Ark

Davina's Ark A unique organisation dedicated to providing non-residential ‘after care’ services to individual

Inspired by the vision of Davina, a group of professional addiction counsellors resolved to set up a counselling service to aid and address the unmet needs of those in rehabilitation and their families. This gap as defined by Davina’s Ark is ‘that period during rehabilitation where people in addiction remain vulnerable, at risk of relapse and prone to self harm and even suicide’. Davina’s dream wa

s to create an organisation which would provide professional services to bridge this gap. It would provide a supported pathway to recovery which would equip individuals with skills and renewed confidence and thus restore them to a full, active and purposeful role in society. Following Davina’s untimely death in June 2011 her colleagues and friends established ‘Davina’s Ark Aftercare Addiction Services’ as a legacy to fulfil her vision. The service now based at 22 Kilmorey Street Newry and operated by professionally qualified counsellors and support staff provides a safe and confidential environment for people in addiction and their families. Recognising the far reaching ‘ripple effect’ of addiction on a community Davina’s Ark extends its services beyond individuals and families into the workplace and wider community where education and awareness play a major role in the recovery and rehabilitation process. Davina’s Ark offers hope and new opportunity to the many in our society who are afflicted and or affected by the curse of addiction. A shocking and sobering truth is that alcohol and drug misuse in our society is one of the biggest public health issues we have to address. There is not a single family in our society that isn’t somehow impacted by the negative effects of addiction. The Davina’s Ark initiative is both visionary and socially innovative, the brainchild of one who found herself in the depths of ‘The unforgiving nightmare of addiction’ but who through determination battled her way back to recovery and rehabilitation and resolved to create opportunity for other sufferers.

23/07/2026

Job Vacancy at Davina's Ark.

DAVINA’S ARK AFTERCARE ADDICTION SERVICES

Job Specification

Post Part-time Counsellor/Facilitator
Responsible to Davina’s Ark
Reports to Operations Manager
Hourly Rate £19 per hour
Hours 16 Hours (Evening and weekend work is an essential component of this post and the successful candidate will be expected to work same as and when required)
Tenure of Contract 3 years (possible extension if funding becomes available)
Location 22 Kilmorey Street, Newry, BT34 2DE

Background
Davina’s Ark (Aftercare Addiction Centre) was set up as a social enterprise and was incorporated on 27 August 2013 as a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.
The core activity of Davina’s Ark is to support individuals, families and younger people affected by addiction and associated psychological trauma through the provision of psychological, emotional, spiritual and practical supports. Davina’s Ark aims to:
• Break down the cycle of addiction
• Free families from the heartache of a loved one in addiction
• Rediscover relationships in families lost to addiction
• Establish positive relationships within the family and wider community
• Provide a bridge to connect beneficiaries to adopt a healthier lifestyle
• Challenge stigma and discrimination in regard to all aspects of addiction

Essential Qualifications
• Minimum Level 5 qualification in counselling
• BACP or IACP Accredited
• Substantial experience in addiction and trauma work
• A current supervised caseload
• Currently in supervision
• Other training/counselling qualifications will also be considered

The applicant must be willing to be part of a team, show a willingness to learn about Davina’s Ark as an organisation, what our services entail and who we support.

The applicant should be open to contributing to funding applications for counselling services.

Closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on 13th August 2026.

Interviews will be held the week commencing 24th August 2026

Please request an application form by e-mail and enclose your cv and telephone number from: - [email protected]

23/07/2026

Job Vacancy at Davina's Ark.

DAVINA’S ARK AFTERCARE ADDICITION SERVICES

Job Specification

Post Part Time Office Administrator/Receptionist
Responsible to Davina’s Ark
Reports to Operations Manager
Hourly Rate £13.50
Hours 16 hours per week
Tenure of Contract 3 years (possible extension if funding becomes available)
Location 22 Kilmorey Street, Newry, BT34 2DE

Main Duties
• To respond sensitively and appropriately to all enquiries relating to the work of Davina’s Ark.
• Attend to visitors and clients on arrival.
• Deal with enquiries on the telephone and computer.
• Take and relay messages to staff.
• Greet persons entering the building.
• Ensure that all persons sign the visitor register in and out of the building.
• Ensure knowledge of staff movements in and out of the organisation.
• General administrative receptionist duties.
• Receive and sort mail and deliveries.
• Tidy and maintain the reception area.
• To assist with the implementation and upkeep of data capture systems

• To assist with the setup and operation of appropriate administrative systems to ensure the smooth running of Davina’s Ark.
• To assist with the preparation and collating of Davina’s Ark reports, papers and information.
• To assist in the provision of data and information as required.
• To assist in the coordination of all training/conferences/seminars/information sessions/meetings/fundraising events etc.
• To assist in organising events/launches as required.
• To continue with the creation of a relaxed and friendly atmosphere which will maintain and enhance the quality of care to each client and maximise their opportunities for choice.
• To be responsible for both personal and professional attitude and behaviour when interacting with fellow colleagues and service users.
• To communicate effectively with other professionals who also provide services to Davina’s Ark service users.
• Observe and carry out health and safety procedures in respect of oneself, colleagues and the public.
• Participate in staff, team and project meetings on a regular basis.
• To publicise and promote the aims and objectives of the organisation.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as required by Davina’s Ark.

The duties and responsibilities of this job description are neither definitive nor restrictive and can be modified to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
The organisation is committed to providing the highest possible quality of service to its clients and the community. Members of staff are always expected to provide a caring service to treat those with whom they come into contact with, in a courteous and respectful manner.


PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
• 5 O’ Levels/GCSE’s Grades A-C.
• Minimum 2 years administrative work experience.
• RSA Stage 2 Typing or Word Processing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2024 Word, Outlook, PowerPoint etc.
• Ability to work sensitively with vulnerable people and families.
• Can demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
DESIRABLE
• Experience of working within the voluntary/community sector.
• SAGE Payroll & Accounts.
• Experience of minute taking and recording.
• Ability to establish and maintain manual filing systems.
• The capacity to keep cool under pressure and retain a sense of proportion and fun in a busy and demanding work environment.
• Experience of establishing and maintaining databases.
• Experience of Diary and Event management.

Closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on 13th August 2026

Interviews will be held the week commencing 24th August 2026

Please request an application form by e-mail and enclose your cv and telephone number from : - [email protected]

Davina's Ark were delighted to attend recently, the Research Showcase presented on behalf of The Centre for Sport in Soc...
30/06/2026

Davina's Ark were delighted to attend recently, the Research Showcase presented on behalf of The Centre for Sport in Society at Ulster University held in Stormont, Belfast.

Liam hiked through the Mourne Mountains from Newcastle to Rostrevor to raise funds and awareness for Davina's Ark."I've ...
29/06/2026

Liam hiked through the Mourne Mountains from Newcastle to Rostrevor to raise funds and awareness for Davina's Ark.

"I've attached a photo of the end result of my 38-kilometre hike from Newcastle to Rostrevor through the Mourne Mountains.

I'm delighted to share that the fundraiser raised an amazing total of £712, which was split between Davina's Ark and the Evora Hospice.

Looking back over the past few months of fundraising and training, it gave me a real sense of purpose and meaning. I loved preparing for the challenge, engaging with everyone, and raising awareness of addiction and recovery along the way.

Without Davina's Ark, I genuinely wouldn't be where I am today. At my first fundraiser back in September, I struggled a lot. But through consistency, honesty, and commitment to my recovery journey, this challenge felt so much more achievable.

I'd like to thank everyone at Davina's Ark for giving me hope again—not only for myself but also for my family. The support you've given me has changed my life, and I'll be forever grateful for everything you've done."

This was a fantastic achievement and amplified by it being one of the warmest days of the year. That hike wouldn't have been easy.
Well done Liam, thank you for your support, you should be very proud of yourself.
Davina's Ark

Davina's Ark are delighted and very grateful to receive a kind donation from McGuigan's Bar, Monaghan Street, Newry toda...
16/06/2026

Davina's Ark are delighted and very grateful to receive a kind donation from McGuigan's Bar, Monaghan Street, Newry today. They raised £350 in a recent event.
Thank you to Gerald and Anne and their customers for choosing our charity.
It is very much appreciated.

Davina's Ark are delighted to receive a cheque from Barry Bannon. Barry ran 10km for 100 days, rain or shine ending with...
16/06/2026

Davina's Ark are delighted to receive a cheque from Barry Bannon. Barry ran 10km for 100 days, rain or shine ending with the London Marathon, what an achievement! Raising much needed funds to help Davina's Ark. Well done Barry.
Barry can only be described as a Champion for Recovery, carrying the message that Recovery is possible, reaching out to all those individuals and families suffering from the crucible of Addiction and Psychological Trauma.
Bringing hope to all those impacted.
A massive thank you Barry from everyone at Davina's Ark.

Davina's Ark were delighted to attend the Bolster Community's 2026 Joining the Dots Networking Event at the Canal Court,...
15/06/2026

Davina's Ark were delighted to attend the Bolster Community's 2026 Joining the Dots Networking Event at the Canal Court, Newry on Thursday 11th June 2026.

What a powerful evening at Davina’s Ark!Last Friday evening we had the privilege of welcoming Rory Goss as our guest spe...
03/06/2026

What a powerful evening at Davina’s Ark!

Last Friday evening we had the privilege of welcoming Rory Goss as our guest speaker following the sharing of his story on Apple's global platform.

Rory spoke with honesty, courage and wisdom about how his life changed after losing 95% of his sight at just 16 years old and how he has continued to move forward with resilience, determination and hope.

One message that really stayed with us was when Rory said:
“Hope is powerful, but hope is not passive.”

He reminded us that hope is not simply waiting for things to get better. It is choosing to keep going, choosing to try another way, and choosing to believe that your story is not over just because one chapter has been painful.

Rory also shared:
“It hasn’t been the end of my story. It’s just been the start of a new chapter.”

His words connected deeply with the work of Davina’s Ark and with the journeys of so many people who are healing, rebuilding and learning to rediscover purpose again.

Rory’s message was simple but powerful:
Do not give up on yourself.
Keep showing up.
Keep doing the work.
Keep believing that change is possible.

A heartfelt thank you to Rory for sharing his story with such strength and honesty. Your courage, positivity and determination were an inspiration to everyone in the room.

Rosemary Rooney (CEO of Davina’s Ark ) was also delighted to attend the NI premiere of Rory’s video in the Sea Holly Gallery which is located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast.

Watch Rory’s Apple Story here:
https://www.apple.com/uk/education/college-students/success-stories/goss/

What a brilliant day! We are truly grateful to be one of Newry City Runners chosen charities. A special thank you to all...
28/05/2026

What a brilliant day! We are truly grateful to be one of Newry City Runners chosen charities. A special thank you to all the organisers and participants on a fantastic event. Well done everyone.

Davina's Ark are delighted to be chosen as one of Newry City Runners charities. Well done to everyone who took part on w...
27/05/2026

Davina's Ark are delighted to be chosen as one of Newry City Runners charities. Well done to everyone who took part on what must have been a very challenging day.

Address

22 Kilmorey Street
Newry
BT342DE

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 10pm
Tuesday 8am - 10pm
Wednesday 8am - 10pm
Thursday 8am - 10pm
Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday 8am - 10pm
Sunday 8am - 10pm

Telephone

+442830279407

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Davina's Ark posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category