Derry Woman's Centre vows to continue 'vital' English language service

A programme helping immigrant women learn about Derry and make new friends has had its funding cut.

The Executive Office cut funding for the City’s Good Relations Fund by nearly half.

The Women’s Centre runs the Multicultural Women's Group for Black and Minority Ethnic Women to have conversations in English, which was previously paid for by the fund.

The centre says the group has been a huge success and has helped many women gain familiarity with the area, learn English and make new friends.

Despite the loss of funding, the centre hopes to do everything it can to keep the group running.

“I can't imagine the feeling of arriving in a city with no friends, no family and you can’t speak the language or navigate the different systems,” a representative said.

“Where would I even begin? For many of the newcomer families arriving in Derry, they begin at the Women’s Centre.

“The changes we see are exceptional. We have had women within five years of having no levels of English to achieve their Level 2 Essential Skills. Their passion and dedication is just amazing and we love having them attend our centre.”

The centre credits a large part of its success to it being a woman-only space and having a crèche onsite for 0-4 year olds.

“Last year we supported 65 women who were new to the city and over 30 children. Within the group, 26 different countries were represented and 22 languages which is just amazing.

“The weekly sessions are a space to meet friends and gain vital information about other services within the city. Not only do the women learn English they also increase their wellbeing and connections.”

The scheme was funded by The Executive Office (TEO) as part of the Good Relations Scheme and administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The council’s Good Relations Programme normally receives 75% funding from TEO towards the overall good relations programme costs with Council contributing the remaining 25%.

However, this year TEO cut its funding by 47%, leaving the council with significantly less to administer.

The Women's Centre was made aware of potential cuts in April but continues to provide the service as it is ‘too important to cut’.

“This week it was confirmed that [funding] will not be awarded at all due to cuts from the Executive Office. We will not abandon these vulnerable women and their children and we will continue to provide this service until we can find funding to replace it.

“Funding is very competitive as many organisations are feeling the impacts of the cuts but we will continue to be voice for the women of our city and all the new women that are due to arrive.”’

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council explained its members approved the revised Good Relations Action Plan for 2023-24, based on a 47% funding cut from The Executive Office (TEO).

The spokesperson said the 2023-24 budget proposal has been greatly reduced from £595,331 to £302,306 and the TEO letter of offer to Council confirmed funding of £226,729.50.

“This budget reduction will have a significant impact on the delivery of a meaningful Good Relations Action Plan across the city and district and with the revised plan,” the representative said.

“Unfortunately, out of the 46 groups seeking funding only 18 groups will be awarded funding and issued letters of offer.

“Should further funding be made available from TEO priority will be given to fund the remaining grant aid groups as previously approved at March Health and Communities Committee.”

TEO was contacted for comment but no response was received.