Official opening of new premises for women’s centre in Workington

 Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC), Mike Johnson along with partners, officially opened the new premises for Gateway for Women – Workington (G4W-Workington) women’s centre at Cumbria House, New Oxford Street, Workington on Tuesday 5 March.

Cumbria Women’s Centre network continues to provide support to women across the county, with tailored services around the needs of local women through one-on-one sessions and group work activities. They provide extensive support to women over the age of 18 on a drop-in basis regardless of their circumstances, where they live, sexual orientation or background, providing assistance on a range of topics from domestic abuse and social isolation to financial management.

G4W – Carlisle and Barrow’s Women’s Community Matters have become well attended and established women’s centres over the years, delivering critical services to help keep vulnerable women in our county safe. G4W – Workington’s new premises is the latest development to the women’s centre network across Cumbria and will mirror the successful centre model approach, provided in Carlisle and Barrow.

DPFCC Mike Johnson comments: “G4W women’s centre have supported 217 west Cumbrian women since April 2023 and their new premises, here in the centre of Workington, is ideally located for women to continue to access support.

“The centre provides a safe, non-judgmental space for women from all backgrounds, facing all kinds of issues. It was evident from my visit today, that everyone involved with the centre has the same goal, to help and support women in need.

“It is clear that partnership working is at the heart of  G4W – Workington’s approach. Providing funds for the centre and their developing Outreach services across the West of the county is vital, in order to further support victims of crime and abuse, to help them cope and recover.”

G4W – Workington centre manager Nicolle comments: “We have a team of dedicated staff in place and are currently in the process of recruiting to extend the support we offer. This includes a programme of activities including Coffee afternoons, Arts and Crafts, Holistic sessions as well as one to one appointments and a range of structured groups for personal development.”

One G4W – Workington centre user comments: “The new centre is much more accessible, easier to find, in a great location – being next to the bus station. Only having to get on one bus as well as being able to attend other appointments while in town, is great.”

Detective Superintendent, Sally Blaiklock comments: “The work of Cumbria’s women’s centres provides a vital service for women and girls across the county.

“We very much welcome the opening of the centre in Workington and hope, like we have seen elsewhere in Cumbria, that those who require support get the support they need.

“We work closely with this network to ensure people with vulnerability are provided appropriate advice and safeguarding.

“I would encourage anyone who requires such support to please reach out now, help and support is available from trusted and dedicated professionals.”

If you would like more information about the G4W – Workington women’s centre please contact  the centre on 01900 403 220 or contactus@cumbriagateway.co.uk