County Derry women's network seeking to attract new members

Registration is once again open for the popular 'Connecting Rural Women' programme, a partnership of women's groups recently established across Dungiven, Greysteel, Benedy and Gortnaghey.

Over the past 12 months Benbradagh Community Support, based in Dungiven, has expanded their Women's Network, working in partnership with Benedy Community Association, Gortnaghey Community Centre, Glór Dhún Geimhin and The Vale Centre Greysteel to bring their services and activities to women in rural areas throughout Limavady.

Colleen Moran, project co-ordinator for the programme said over 200 women have availed of their services in the last year.

"Our Women's group in Dungiven has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2015 and we found that women were travelling from other rural areas to attend our activities,” she said.

“We felt there was a great opportunity to take our services beyond Dungiven and are delighted to have had such great support and enthusiasm from our partner groups.

“This enabled us to provide services for over 200 women over the past year through a pilot programme funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

“The programme worked so well that we have been able to secure additional funding from The Foyle Foundation and The Labyrinth Project via Solace Women's Aid to roll this out for another year with increased provision."

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The project runs on a monthly schedule with plans to provide two classes per week in each area, one daytime and one evening as well as two walking clubs per week, one based in Dungiven and one in Greysteel.

Columba Mailey from The Vale Centre in Greysteel said all abilities are catered for.

"The aim is to make the programme accessible to as many women as possible, whether you're in employment or not, are retired, have caring responsibilities etc.

"We also strive to provide a variety of activities, led by the needs and wants of the group so that all abilities are catered for and all interests are considered," he said.

Membership to the women's network costs just £5 and will cover the six month period from April to September. All women over 18 are eligible to join and members can attend activities in any of the areas. 

Colleen added: "The programme is based around health and well-being and that can mean different things to different people, we try to accommodate all of these whether your goal is to get fitter, manage your stress level or reduce loneliness. Our group are a friendly bunch and we are always delighted to welcome new faces."

If anyone would like further information or details on how to register, please contact Colleen on 07927 427208 or bcs@live.co.uk. 

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