On 15 October 2022, WOMEN’STEC Newry was born. This coincided fittingly with International Day of Rural Women! This Community Engagement Programme with a focus on social value, was a Partnership between WOMEN’STEC, Bolster Community and CTS, and it was the first time that we began working outside Belfast. The initial aim was to offer women in rural isolated areas throughout Newry, Mourne and Down opportunities to engage in training and support that they may not have previously had.
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Our ‘DIY Roadshow’ hit the highways and byways of NMD, bringing our training to the doorsteps of women in Hilltown, Moneydarragh, Cullyhanna, Cabra, Ballynahinch as well as running away in our Workshop in Whitegates. The training courses provided included our ‘Introduction to DIY Skills, OCN training in ‘Basic Carpentry Hand Skills’ and Wellbeing Workshops. This work was only possible through invaluable partnership working both with women who came on board our training courses as well as local community groups who helped and supported our work in rural areas and making the training accessible for all women.
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“I have built confidence within myself and learnt new skills I have always wanted to do and achieve independence.”
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Student
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“I've honestly enjoyed this course and have learned so much and going forward I hope to use the skills to help me improve my home.”
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Student
“I feel confident that I will be able to complete simple DIY at home. The course was really enjoyable and the others on the course were fun to be with. A great group of women!”
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Student