In 2019, we awarded £25,000 towards updating and refurbishing the WCWA support centre, from which all services are run.

Organisation

Westwood and Colhurst's Women's Association (WCWA) was set up in 1978 – by local women, for local women from the Coldhurst area of Oldham. The charity aims to support women and girls in overcoming isolation and disadvantage; to provide opportunities to discover new skills and talents; and to enhance their confidence and self-esteem through social, educational and cultural activities. Most service users are BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) women – many of whom speak little or no English, which can often mean that they are unaware of existing services, and how to access them. WCWA runs activities and services including English classes, healthy cooking and exercise classes; a range of workshops; and a regular ‘chitchat’ morning.

WCWA REFURBISHMENT AND IT project

The project for which they requested support involved refurbishing their current premises and purchasing new IT equipment for staff so they could continue to provide a platform for local minoritised women to gain the same life chances as their peers from other backgrounds. At the time of application £3,500 had been raised towards the £29,545 project. A grant of £25,000 was awarded to the project.