Waterside Women’s Centre, Derry

Founded in 1994 to create learning opportunities that are geared towards meeting women’s needs and aspirations, Waterside Women’s Centre offers skills, training and education opportunities (delivering up to 25 classes per week such as Essential Skills Literacy and Numeracy; back to work accredited courses; physical and mental health programmes; and Mother & Child support projects) in a relaxed and non-threatening environment.  They applied for funding towards essential maintenance of their premises, which could be undertaken while the Centre remained closed due to Coronavirus.  Alderman McClintock spoke highly of the services provided by the Centre to a large number of women from all backgrounds – many of whom present with a range of complex needs and issues, and a grant of £1,000 was approved to meet the estimated cost of painting and decorating three classrooms and the kitchen.