Commissioner Officially Declares the ‘Women Out West’ Centre Open
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall, along with partners, is delighted to cut the ribbon at the official Opening of the Women Out West (WOW) centre at Unit 4, Haig Enterprise Park, Whitehaven on Monday 4 November 10am. The Women’s Centre tailors specific services around the needs of the women of Allerdale and Copeland and its vision is to give every West Cumbrian woman the support, tools and opportunities they need to thrive and achieve their dreams.
The centre’s new facilities include amenities such as interview rooms, a laundry provision, a Hub where social activities take place, and private 1-on-1 spaces. The WOW centre also organises peer-to-peer support groups taking part in activities ranging from craft sessions, wellbeing workshops, recovery discussions and creative fundraising activities. The core programme is based on west Cumbrian women supporting each other to reach their full potential, with an emphasis on caring for and connecting with each other.
Staff, external agencies, support services and clients all work together towards a shared goal of women-centred support, providing the tools and opportunities that empower each woman to find the freedom, strength and power to change her life.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall comments: “In recent years, Barrow and Carlisle Women Centre’s have become well established, very well attended and have been delivering critical services to help keep vulnerable women in our county safe, building their confidence and resilience.
“There was an obvious gap in the west of the county and during the last six months the ‘Women Out West’ (WOW) centre was conceived, completely transformed from an empty shell and already has a busy programme of core weekly activities.
“The WOW centre is a safe, fully inclusive and non-judgmental space for women from all backgrounds, facing all kinds of issues with an equal opportunities culture at its heart.
“For example, it helps women dealing with bereavement or trauma, women who have been through the criminal justice system and survivors of abuse. Wherever the women have come from, whatever they are dealing with, they are only ever treated with patience, understanding and respect at the centres.
“The WOW is a superb example of tackling a real need with practical and tangible help, already proving to be a valuable resource in the west of the county.”
Angie Dean the Centre Development Manager said: “I am delighted to welcome everyone to this very special place on this very special day to celebrate what has been achieved so far with the support of our amazing funders and generous benefactors.
“Looking at the journey from what was an empty shell to this warm friendly safe haven for women is no mean feat.
“Building on that great start, we now have a team in place of both qualified staff and volunteers and a programme of activities for women to share and grow within.
“Collaborating with our partner organisations, we can wrap an invisible supporting arm of care around our women, to help lift them up and reconnect them with their dreams.
“Our programme of courses such as Beautiful Me and The Key will add to our offering and help create a unique and individual personal growth and development plan.”
One WOW centre woman comments: “It’s such an amazing safe place where I can be myself. I know there is always someone there to listen to me and share my problems with. I always leave feeling a little lighter and also a lot happier.”
Another centre user comments that the Women Out West centre has, “friendly staff that make it a calm and safe place to go. I spent the day up there yesterday, was a bit stressed when I went in but felt a thousand times better when I left. It really was just what I needed.”
If you would like more information about The Women out West centre please contact angie.dean@womenoutwest.co.uk or call 01946 550103
