WOMEN'S WORKSHOP CARDIFF

Carpentry Workshops

2012-01-31T15:33:00.003Z

There are three Saturday workshops running on 25th February, 17th March and 31st March 10.00am-2.00pm

Introduction to wall fixings including shelves and mirrors, tools required and how to do the job safely

Introduction to skirting and dado rails

Introduction to laminate flooring

The cost is £20 per session paid up front and non refundable. The charge covers all your materials. Contact Jacqui on 02920493351 to book a place

Gym inductions 29th February

2012-01-31T15:31:00.001Z

The next gym induction sessions are planned for Wednesday 29th February. Please contact Gail on 02920493351 to book yourself a place

Global Grangetown 4th February 1.30pm-4.30pm

2012-01-31T15:30:00.001Z

The Women's Workshop is having a stall at the Global Grangetown event on Saturday 4th February at Channel View leisure centre.

Come and find out about the courses we have on offer

February half term girls (13-17) programme

2012-01-31T15:27:00.003Z

The next girls programme will run on 14th, 15th, 16th February. 10.00am-1.30pm

You will have three days to try your hand at making beautiful ceramics.

Come along and get your hands dirty!

Contact Jacqui on 02920493351 to book or email jacqueline.hatherall@womensworkshop.org.uk

Holiday Closure Dates

2011-12-08T10:33:00.002Z

The Women's Workshop will close to the public on Friday 16th December 2011 and reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2012

Keep Well This Winter Event 3rd December

2011-12-08T09:28:00.005Z

There was a great turn out at our Keep Well This Winter event with over 70 women attending. Women received advice on diabetes, exercise and foot health, as well as having a great time.

Betty Hobbs was the winner of the Wii Fit Bowling competition and will receive a £30 voucher

Its All About Me - Sat January 14th

2011-12-08T09:25:00.002Z

Start the New Year off with a New You!!!!

A free course run in association with UWIC over 5 saturdays starting 14th January (10.00am-2.00pm)

A course to
Build your confidence
Learn new skills
Bring out the best in you

Contact Jacqui on 029 20493351 or email info@womensworkshop.org.uk

Seasonal Craft Workshop

2011-12-08T09:23:00.002Z

A one off seasonal craft workshop Saturday 10th December 10.30am-1.30pm

Make your own greetings cards and decorate a glass candle holder

Just £3 to cover materials

Contact Jacqui on 02920493351

Re Fash - starts 17 November

2011-11-02T12:36:00.002Z

A new course offering basic sewing techniques and practical workshops to help modernize, remake or add personal touches to your wardrobe

Starts Thursday 17th November 5.30pm-7.30pm. Cost £2.00 per session to cover all materials

Contact Jacqui on 02920493351 to book your place

October Half Term Girls Programme

2011-10-24T11:50:00.003+01:00

Come and Desgn the New Railings for Canal Park

Monday October 24th, Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th

Working with the community blacksmith develop your own designs, make small versions of them and see whether they get chosen for the new railings in Canal Park

Contact Jacqui on 02920493351 to book your place

Photos from the Garden Chic Event

2011-09-08T17:18:00.007+01:00

Gym Induction

2011-09-08T14:40:00.002+01:00

We have organised another gym induction for those women wanting to use our gym. The induction is on Wednesday 5th October. Please ring us on 02920493351 to book your self a place.

The induction card costs £1.00 after that you can use the gym between 9.30am-3.3opm Monday to Friday for 50p each session

English Assessment

2011-09-08T14:32:00.002+01:00

The WEA will be carrying out an English Assessment here on Thursday 15th September between 10.00am and 12 noon. Once you have been assessed they will place you within one of their classes

The Workshop on the Marl - Sunday 11th Sept

2011-09-08T14:29:00.002+01:00

The Women's Workshop will have stall at the Grangetown Global Sports Day on the Marl on 11th September 12-4pm.

Why not come along there are lots of races and field events for everyone to enter

Garden Party Chic Event 12th August

2011-09-02T12:55:00.002+01:00

Just to say a big thankyou to all who made the event on 12th August such a great success. Over 100 people attended and all had a great time. Photos will be posted soon

Summer 2011 Closures

2011-07-27T13:56:00.002+01:00

The Women's Workshop will be closed on the following dates in August

Monday 1st August
Monday 15th August
Monday22nd August - Wednesday 31st August

We will reopen again on Thursday 1st September 2011

Summer Holiday Girls 13-17 Activities

2011-07-13T18:20:00.002+01:00

There will be two weeks of free activities this summer

Monday 25th - Friday 29th July every day 10.00am-1.00pm. A different activity every day
Recycled jewellery, circus skills, music etc etc

Monday 8th - Friday 12th August 10.00am-1.00pm Summer Garden Party Chic
Workshops every day to create the clothes, plan and design the set and music for a fashion show.

The Fashion show will take place on Friday 12th at 2.00pm, you can invite your friends and family to see what you have been working on all week.

On hand will be trained hair and cosmetic artists to ensure you look your best

GYM use

2011-06-16T12:59:00.003+01:00

We will be introducing a charging system in our gym from 1st September 2011. This is in order to pay for the servicing and upkeep of the room. The charge will be a one off charge of £1.00 for a gym card and then £1.00 for every session you attend

Due to overcapacity in the gym we will not be running any new inductions to the gym, but please check back here in October when we will be reassessing the use of the gym

Grangetown Festival 18th June

2011-06-06T15:39:00.001+01:00

The Women's Workshop will be having a stall at the Grangetown Festival on Saturday 18th June. Come along and find out what is available for you

New afternoon and evening classes

2011-05-04T12:03:00.004+01:00

Starting Tuesday 10th May 3-4pm for 7 weeks Pilates £2.00 per session.

Starting Thursday 9th June Cardio Dance 5-5.45pm and Pilates 5.45-6.45pm. £2.00 per session or £3.75 for both

Booking is essential for both. Please just contact reception on 029 20493351

June Girl's Programme

2011-05-04T12:01:00.001+01:00

The next free 3 day programme for girls aged 13-17 will take place on 1st-3rd June. More details will follow shortly

Photos from the Over 55 Event

2011-04-27T11:57:00.006+01:00

Here is the proof that everyone had a great day and thanks to all those who made it possible

Holiday programme for girls

2011-04-04T15:46:00.002+01:00

The next holiday programme for girls will run during the first week of the Easter holidays Monday 18th - Indigo Dance Workshop Tuesday 19th - Make your own chocolate puddings Wednesday 20th - Music Workshop Thursday 21st - make your own recycled accessories To book your place contact Jacqui or Laura on 20493351

The Over 55 event 2nd April

2011-04-04T15:45:00.002+01:00

Our event on Saturday was a huge success with over 80 women attending. Photos will be posted shortly

Visit to Westminster

2011-03-15T15:43:00.005Z

Extract from Sally Ford's account of the prize she won at the Women's Workshop 25th anniversary dinner- A trip to Westminster hosted by Julie Morgan in 2010

When I initially won the prize, I felt concerned that my visit would not maximise its potential for the Workshop and I felt others had more of an interest and were more worthy to win the prize. Now I am so grateful I did accept

It was a time of great change in British politics, just as the expenses scandal was breaking, just before the date of the election had been announced

The visit was something I would never have imagined being able to do. This experience was part of a catalyst that had made me question my priorities, realise how important each day is, how to live life in the present. I now think how damaging it is to always put your life and interests on hold. I always used to think "I'll do something that interests me when the children have grown up, when we have paid the mortgage, when.......everyone else is sorted and has what they want and need"

I have now decided that I can still be a responsible wife, mother and family member, but I have lost the guilt when i do something I want to do

Community Event Saturday 2nd April

2011-02-22T16:29:00.003Z

Advance notice of a community event aimed at women over 55.

We are holding the event here on Saturday 2nd April between 10.30am-2.30pm.

There will be a chance to
-Try out our on site gym
-Food demonstrations - jerk seasoning, sushi and samosas
-Painting and decorating demonstrations
-Meet your local police officers
-Be entertained by a local choir and tap dancing troupe

And much more!!!!!!!!!

Cardio Latino Class

2011-02-22T16:26:00.001Z

Just a reminder that the Cardio Latino class is not running this Thursday 24th February, but we are all back on Thursday 3rd March

ESOL Classes

2011-01-10T15:26:00.003Z

An open assessment is being held here on Thursday 13th January at 10.00am. If you want to join an English class just come along on Thursday

February Half Term Girls Programme

2011-01-10T15:13:00.001Z

Another 3 day girls programme is planned for February half term - 21st, 22nd and 23rd February. Keep an eye out here for further details

Cardio Latino Class

2011-01-10T15:11:00.004Z

Women Only Cardio Latino class starting here Thursday 27th January for 8 weeks 5.00pm-6.00pm. £1.75 per session or its cheaper if you book for the whole 8 (£12) Places are very limited so book early

October half term Girls Programme

2010-11-10T15:49:00.006Z

The October half term girls 3 day programme was hugely successful with 24 girls attending over the three days. The girls took part in music, fitness, recycled fashion and drama workshops.
Look out for the publicity for the next programme in February half term 2011

ICT course starting

2010-10-13T10:18:00.004+01:00

A new ICT level 1 & 2 course is starting in November. You will also get an opportunity to do communication and numeracy. You must be registered with the job centre and be over 18. If you are interested please contact Claire Stevens on 029 20493351

Fitness for Women - November 2nd

2010-10-04T16:05:00.003+01:00

New fun for fitness class starting on Tuesday 2nd November 5.00-6.30pm for 7 weeks.

All levels and abilities catered for.

The cost is £1.75 per session or £10 for all 7 sessions.

To book please phone 029 20493351

October Half Term Girls Workshops

2010-10-04T15:55:00.004+01:00

We are putting on a series of FREE workshops for girls aged 13-17 in October half term

Monday 25th 10.30-2.15 - Music Workshop
Tuesday 26th 10.30-2.15 - Recycled Fashion Workshop
Thursday 28th 10.30-12.00 - Dance your way to Fitness
Thursday 28th 12.45-2.15 - Drama Workshop

You can sign up for just one or all of the FREE workshops just ring 029 20493351

August Closure

2010-07-19T15:05:00.002+01:00

Just to let you all know the Workshop will be closed to the public on the following dates in August 2nd, 6th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 30th and 31st

September English Classes

2010-07-08T15:43:00.002+01:00

If you want to sign up for an English class run by the WEA at The Women's Workshop, then there is an open assessment on Thursday 23rd September 10.00am-12 noon. Just come along

Newlife Project for Pregnant Women and Young Mothers 16 - 25

2010-07-02T10:11:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday 6th July the South Wales Fire Service will hold a Session on 'Fire Safety in Your Home'. The session will be held from 12:30pm and lunch will be provided and travel reimbursed.
- Brief Fire Safety Talk
- Showing of Safety DVD
- Home details taken for safety check (optional)
-Children have opportunity to explore fire engines
- Free installation of smoke alarm
- Free deep fat fryer to replace open chip pan

FOR FURTHER DETAILS - MAUREEN READY - maureen.ready@womensworkshop.org.uk

Grant Success

2010-06-24T15:13:00.002+01:00

The Women's Workshop has been successful in obtaining a grant from the Big Lottery for next 3 years. This will allow us to open the building at evenings, weekends and in the holidays. We will also be providing holiday programmes for girls aged 13-17. Keep an eye out for new courses in September

Adult Learner Award

2010-05-26T09:45:00.002+01:00

Gemma Salter one of our basic construction trainees has won the Cardiff County Learner of the Year category in the Inspire! Adult Learner Awards 2010.

Gemma is now working and training with Heatforce.

We just want to say well done and best of luck for your future

Nova Scarman Trust

2010-04-26T14:34:00.001+01:00

If you are a black or minority ethnic woman looking to take part in some learning, then the Nova Scarman Trust are holding an open event here on 24th May at 12.15 and will be able to tell you all about their new project. Just turn up

2010-03-26T13:25:00.005Z

For any women interested in the courses we will have available in April. (This does not include the Basic Construction or NewLife Courses) Please just come along to the Workshop on 15th April at 10.00am. We can give you a full update and you can register your interest

2010-03-26T13:25:00.002Z

The Women's Workshop latest newsletter is available to download on the Resources page

Women Get Fit Celebration

2010-03-22T12:58:00.002Z

Our Lottery funded Women Get Fit project ends this March and to celebrate the projects achievements we are holding a celebration for all present and past Women Get learners. Its on March 25th and starts at 10.30am:- Hennae painting, Hand massage, Lush products and food!

New Logo for the Women's Workshop

2010-02-08T15:00:00.003Z

Regio Stars Award Finalist

2010-02-02T10:40:00.005Z

The Women's Workshop has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious 2010 European Commission Regio Stars Award in the category "Inclusion of migrants in an urban setting". The Workshop presented to the judges on 27th January in Brussels and we will know the outcome in May 2010
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/interregional/ecochange/regiostars_en.cfm

Thursday update

2010-01-14T07:20:00.002Z

The Workshop will be open today.
Most public transport seems to running normally and most schools appear to be open so far!

Any staff affected by school closures can you please text me, so I can update this page

Latest Update

2010-01-13T10:26:00.001Z

The Workshop will close today at 12.30pm. Hopefully everything back to normal tomorrow

Cecilia

2010-01-13T10:18:00.001Z

Cecilia is in

Update

2010-01-13T09:51:00.002Z

The Workshop is open this morning, but a decision will be taken shortly about the afternoons sessions

Parent Nurturing

2010-01-13T09:46:00.002Z

The parent nurturing programme has been cancelled this afternoon

Stay & Play

2010-01-13T08:35:00.000Z

Sure Start have cancelled this mornings Stay & Play session, but they are waiting to make a decision about the Parent Nurturing Programme this afternoon

Cecilia

2010-01-13T08:22:00.001Z

Just to let you know Cecilia is waiting to find out whether her children's school is open

update

2010-01-13T08:14:00.000Z

Just heard from Lindsay, who will be coming in for health & fitness this morning

Snow situation

2010-01-13T07:49:00.002Z

Well it has snowed again
Here is the update re opening

The Workshop will be open if I can make it on the train - Laura. I will update this page as soon as I get in

Pascale is unable to come in because of the snow. I am still waiting to hear from Cecilia and Lindsay

Blog later

Weather

2010-01-12T07:26:00.001Z

The weather forecast has changed and it appears heavy snow is not due in Cardiff till this evening (Tuesday), so hopefully everything will be OK today

7.47am

2010-01-11T07:47:00.000Z

Well it now looks like a few schools are only opening partially. The best site to view the information is Red Dragon radio

Monday update

2010-01-11T07:20:00.000Z

It looks like only Whitchurch Lower School is closed this morning according to the Council twitter site.
Somali Integration Society is not running as the tutor is not well.

So hopefully everything is mostly back to normal today

Snow

2010-01-10T17:23:00.000Z

Well just to say it looks fine in Penarth tonight, so see you all tomorrow. Any staff that have difficulties with schools etc please text me as soon as you can tomorrow morning

Echo

2010-01-08T12:39:00.000Z

Just to say thanks to all who made our anniversary dinner such a success.

Hope you caught the article in the Echo about the Workshop on Wednesday 6th January

Thank You

2009-10-27T13:06:00.000Z

Further thanks go to
B A Cash & Carry and WCVA for sponsoring tables at our 25th Anniversary

Well Being Day

2009-10-27T13:02:00.001Z

The Workshop is putting on a women's health & well being day on Thursday November 26th,

Free lunch
Get your fitness checked
Relax with some yoga
Get Lushed up

Contact Sian Thomason at sian.thomason@womensworkshop.org.uk or 029 20493351 for further information

Sponsors - 25 Anniversary

2009-09-30T14:40:00.000+01:00

Thank you to the following 25th Anniversary sponsors

Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO)
Equality & Human Rights Commission
Black Association of Women Step Out (BAWSO)
UK Resource Centre for Women in SET

25 Anniversary Dinner

2009-09-30T14:38:00.000+01:00

Just to let everyone know the tickets are going fast for the anniversary dinner on 19th November. So please contact sian.thomason@womensworkshop.org.uk if you are interested in a ticket

25th Anniversary Celebration

2009-08-11T11:53:00.000+01:00

We are planning to celebrate our 25 years of achievements at a dinner in the Future Inn Hotel, Cardiff Bay on Thursday 19th November and are offering a number of sponsorship opportunities at the event:

a table of ten guests costs £300 and includes the company of two trainees from the Workshop on your table
you could sponsor the wine for the evening, or the hire of the venue
individual seats for the dinner are available at £32 each

Sponsorship gives you an excellent opportunity to invest in the future of the local community, as well as sharing your name and brand image with hundreds of people.

All major sponsors will be recognised in the publicity material and on our website and will be invited to exhibit promotional material at the event itself.

The evening will include appearances from the politicians instrumental in establishing the Workshop plus a number of special guests. It will include entertainment, demonstrations and displays from trainees past and present.

We would like to hear from ex-trainees to help us to celebrate our 25th anniversary in style. Do you have any photographs from your time in the Workshop or other memorabilia you would be happy to share with us?

Please contact Sian Thomason on 25@womensworkshop.org.uk if you would like to be involved in this exciting event or have a look at our website: http://www.womensworkshop.org.uk/25.htm

We will be updating this blog and our website with news about the forthcoming celebration.

Creative Imprints, A Community Arts Exhibition

2009-08-05T11:51:00.000+01:00

For the past few months, Women's Arts Association have run a number of print workshops at various community venues in Cardiff and Barry. One of the workshops took place here at the Women's Workshop. They were run by professional artist, Susan Joshi and arts manager, Lucy Lilley.

This dynamic project explored the art of printmaking in all its forms, including collage, mono and lino-cuts. Throughout the workshops the tutors encouraged an accessible, "hands-on" approach to creativity and introduced a wide range of materials and processes.

As part of the project the participants are curating an exhibition of their work to be held at Art Central, Town Hall King Square, Barry. The opening hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

The participants have been involved in selecting work, deciding where it will be hung and will be curating the show itself. They have visited examples of shows looking at how the work is displayed and curated.

Please come along and show your support for the wonderful work these women have produced.

International Women's Day, Cardiff 2009

2009-08-04T09:56:00.000+01:00

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achivements.

International Women's Day has been observed since the early 1900s when women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

To celebrate International Women's Day in Wales women's political, cultural and support groups in Cardiff are working together to organise a festival from Friday 6th - Tuesday 17th March 2009. The majority of events are free and open to all members of the public.

Events in the festival will include political and environmental debates and workshops, arts and crafts events, a film festival, a live indie music night, a Reclaim the Night march and exhibitions. The events will take place at various venues across the city.

For more information see the website: http://www.cymruwomen.org.uk/

International Women's Day at the Workshop:

Launch of the New Life Project (10am - 1pm)
Guest speaker: Jane Hutt, AM for CELLS, - by invitation only.

Arts & Crafts Workshop (12.30pm - 2.30pm)
(run by Women's Arts Association). Explore your creativity.

Mum's Matters @ The Women's Workshop

2009-08-04T09:15:00.000+01:00

Mums Matters is a voluntary community group run for mums by mums. Every week the mums take part in activities to improve their health and well-being. These activities include yoga, card-making, self-defence, nutrition, arts and crafts and confidence building, among others. To help the mums to live a healthy lifestyle we encourage snacking on healthy foods.

The group is open to any pregnant mother-to-be, any mum, or carer of children. You can even attend if your children are not with you. We offer a free creche facility, where the children are looked after by qualified staff. The children also participate in exciting activities and enjoy the healthy snacks.

Mums Matters meets every Friday morning at the Women's Workshop during term time from 10am until 12pm and costs £1 per week. It's a great place to meet other mums and learn new skills in a relaxed environment. We always welcome new members, just turn up onthe day or ring Lynne on 029 2022 8707 for more details or have a look at our website: http://www.mumsmatters.btik.com/

Lynne Andrews, Mums Matters

New Life Video Premier

2009-07-29T12:26:00.000+01:00

The Women's Workshop held its first showing of the New Life Project trainees' film New Life, New Start on 20th January this year. The making of the film was a project run by the Film & Video tutor, Claire Purvis. It was made over the first 20 weeks of the New Life Project from October 2008 to December 2008.

The Project works with young mothers aged 16 - 25 and young pregnant women from in and around Cardiff, addressing the multiple issues faced by these young women and their children.

The students in the video group took part in the writing, producing and filming of the video. The film includes the trainees talking about their expectations and experiences of the New Life course and the new start they have undertaken.

The showing was attended by the trainees' friends and families, support workers from Barnardos, AWETU, the Women's Workshop staff and Management Committee, as well as other agencies and partners of the Workshop.

The video group presented the video to the audience and received certificates. The audience greatly enjoyed the showing and were treated to a buffet lunch afterwards.

The trainees have now gone on to various volunteering opportunities in the community. The New Life project staff would like to thank the group for their hard work and congratulate them on their excellent achievements.

Lindsay Jackson, Project Co-ordinator

User Group Forum

2009-07-28T12:02:00.001+01:00

The Women's Workshop User Group Forum was set up to encourage trainees from the Women Get Fit project to get more involved in the running of their project and the Workshop. The Forum is made up of Workshop volunteers and current and former trainees.

The forum meets every 8-12 weeks to discuss some of the issues that arise from their experiences of being on the Women Get Fit project. They discuss issues that have arisen during classes and also give suggestions for future events, taster sessions and projects they would like the Workshop to provide.

It allows women who are on the project the opportunity to meet with the staff who work on the project, to practice their spoken English and to talk with other women who are on, or who have been on the project.

So far the forum has come up with some excellent suggestions regarding future extra sessions, ranging from arts and crafts sessions, to health and welbeing sessions such as Breast Cancer Awareness, aromatherapy and pampering days. These would be provided alongside the First Aid, Confidence Building and Personal Development sessions we are looking at providing in the near future.

One of the most helpful outcomes of our running the Forum has been their input into the larger events that we plan throughout the year. The User Group has been very helpful in deciding on our afternoon events for our International Women's Day celebration on 12th March, 2009.

Helen Watling, Event Co-ordinator

Introducing the New Life Project

2009-07-28T11:38:00.000+01:00

The New Life Project for young mothers aged 16 - 25 has been up and running since July 2008. Courses started full-time in September 2008. The project is split into 3 sections, Strand 1, Strand 2 and Strand 3.

I have had a fantastic time getting to know the team and getting to grips with my job as Recruitment and Support Officer. My role in the New Life Project is to organise the timetable, recruitment and inductions, and to support the women through their learning journey.

The course runs for 3 days per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10:15am and 3:00pm. The course is designed to give the young mothers 'time-out' for their own personal development, and opportunities for them to grow as a parent. We provide a creche whilst the young women are attending their classes.

The project includes: 10-week sessions of IT, health and fitness, cookery and digital photography. Personal development and confidence building is taught through film-making. The women are working towards producing a film that will be shown in January 2009 at the Women's Workshop for the new recruits onto the course.

In Digital Photography the group learnt how to take good photos and were let loose with the cameras. They had great fun taking pictures of Cardiff Bay and their children. They learnt how to edit and print their pictures. They have their own memory stick to encourage them to keep snapping away to record their time here.

Cookery is fun as each week the group prepare and cook a meal for themselves and their children - usually there is some left for me too! The lunchtime is a great time for the group to relax together and get to know each other personally as well as helping their children learn good eating habits.

Other sessions have included activities designed to enhance children's language and skills; creative play and music and movement.

In January 2009 this group moved on to the volunteering strand of the project and a new group started. We wish them good luck for their progress.

Lindsay Jackson, Recruitment & Support Officer, NewLife Project.

Garden Project

2009-07-28T11:24:00.000+01:00

Working alongside Cardiff's Hamadryad Centre, we are very excited about our 'Garden Makeover' Project. We have a great resource in the Workshop garden, but it is in need of some tender, loving care.

Our volunteers, alongside those from the Hamadryad Centre are going to be re-designing and clearing the garden over the coming months. It is hoped that this will be an on-going project which volunteers and users of the Workshop will want to get involved with.

If you would like to help with this exciting project, we are currently looking for any old/new garden equipment and even plants or cuttings from local gardens - everything is welcome!

Welcome to our Workshop Volunteers

2009-07-28T10:35:00.000+01:00

In July 2008, 5 volunteers completed a 3-day course, Valuing Volunteering, designed to introduce women who have or have had mental health issues to some of the skills needed to volunteer at the Workshop. We wanted to give some of them the opportunity to introduce themselves:

Julie is 49 and lives in Grangetown: "I came to the Workshop in April this year to help me recover from a nervous breakdown - I learned new skills, met new people and found the staff at the Workshop greatly supportive when I really needed it! I have just completed the Valuing Volunteering course and wish to contribute to the Workshop any way I can in return for the help and support they have given me."

Peggy first came to the Women's Workshop in 2007 to do the Value Learning course. "The course consisted of confidence building, healthy living and nutrition, creative writing and general knowledge. Getting to the course was challenging in itself because of my health problems, I am also agoraphobic and being out of the house on my own was not easy, but in time I got to know the tutors and other learners. The fact that the Workshop is a women-only environment helped and I did eventually settle down and felt safe there. All I can say is the staff are amazing. The course was challenging, informative and fun. I truly benefited from doing this course and encourage all women, especially those with mental health issues, to take up a course at the Workshop. I came back last month and did another short course and now I'm so proud to be accepted back at the Women's Workshop as a volunteer. I look forward to this new chapter in my life."

"My name is Rosie. I am mum to a 5 year old boy called Justin. I did some volunteering for Women Connect First and in one of their events I found out about the Women's Workshop and picked up details about their facilities. They have flexible courses that could support me and improve my skills, such as DIY, Health & Fitness, IT and ESOL, plus there are free gym facilities. The Women's Workshop supports you both mentally and physically. It is welcoming to all women who need support. The Workshop has given me a lot and I want to give back to them."

Lisa came to the Workshop 3 years ago following her recovery from severe depression and drug abuse. "I took part in a Confidence Building course and I learned that I am a confident and assertive person, I enjoyed the course so much that I have been back on a number of occasions and am now a volunteer for the Women's Workshop. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff at the Workshop I would never have made it without their help."

We would like to thank all the volunteers for their time and we look forward to working with them.

Women Get Fit Certificate Ceremony, July 2008

2009-07-28T10:28:00.000+01:00

The first Certificate Presentation for the Women Get Fit Big Lottery funded Project was held on 10th July 2008. It gave us all a chance to celebrate the achievements of the women who attended the learning programme.

Many of the women brought food from their own culture to share with us, work completed on the project was displayed and one of the women entertained us with an enjoyable acoustic music set.

Sandra Taylor, a member of the Workshop's Management Committee was kind enough to help with presenting certificates. Her speech was inspirational and especially relevant as she was a trainee on the very first course run by the Women's Workshop in 1984!

As the Outreach Support Officer for the Women Get Fit Project, it gave me great pride and pleasure to share this occasion with the women.

This learning programme is a great way to build confidence and at the same time, learn new skills. The project also gives women the opportunity to undertake informal learning and to try a variety of modules. These include Health & Fitness, DIY, ESOL & Fun with Figures. A number of fun taster sessions will be added to the learning programme next term.

Thanks to all who came along to make it a successful and enjoyable day.

Sadie Hayes, Women Get Fit Outreach & Support Officer