The key objectives of Salford Women's Centre is to promote the well-being of women who live and/or work in Salford. We offer a wide range of activities including Training, Adult Education courses, One to One counselling, Support Groups, Meeting Space, Free Creche Facilities and a Snack Bar. Since 1985 the Women's Centre has been the focus for women's activities throughout the city - Every woman is welcome.
It is an open group with a core membership of 12 women and several others who come when they feel they have the need. Referrals come from social workers, support workers, doctors, psychologists and counsellors, or they self-refer.
The group is used by women from the Salford area, of different ages, backgrounds and ethnic groups, with a range of problems and difficulties. Women may be suffering from depression, panic attacks, agoraphobia or anxiety states brought about by divorce, bereavement, relationship difficulties, worry over children or a combination and build up of various circumstances. Women who have suffered domestic violence, abuse, unemployment or housing problems are all too common. The importance of the creche facility at the Centre cannot be over-emphasised as it enables women with young children to participate in the group, when this would otherwise be impossible.
The writing group has given public readings at the centre. Performing your work not only advertises the course, but it also has the added advantage of building up your confidence. An audience's warm appreciation raises a woman's self-esteem no end. It also gives her the opportunity to gauge how effectively she communicates. Writing is, after all, just another way of communicating.
We are now running two groups - one for advanced writers on Wednesday mornings and one for beginners in the afternoon.
"One day I walked into the women's centre on Langworthy Road feeling very nervous. It was an ordeal. Gill, Vicky and some others whose names I don't remember yet. I went to see a counsellor to help with my problems. We met the counsellor and I talked of this and that. Then I met Pat the tutor of the literary class. I'd only done one writing which they put up on the wall.
Then I met Jean and Pam and Mary. Just a few names I've remembered. The others I've not remembered yet. They don't stand on ceremony. They tell you what they mean.
We are all here to help each other and that's what you get - Help. They don't mind if I call them love because I don't remember their names. It's a place to go, people to meet, very good meals for all. As many cups of tea as you can drink. They all work hard to run that place. It's my 'Hello Bessie', when I walk in that helps to make my day. Their love and understanding of the best kind.....
...Come and join the Women's Centre on Langworthy Road. It will change your life. There's laughter, fun, conversation or chat. If you want to sit quiet you can even do that."
Salford Women's Centre,
Tel : 0161 736 3844
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These pages were prepared by
Chorlton Workshop EVH
This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supported by
Manchester Telematics and Telework Partnership (MTTP).