Messages from our users

I am writing with sincere gratitude and also to commend the excellent service provided by the Shankill Women’s Centre. I studied for GCSE Maths at the centre and in August 05 I was delighted to receive a grade B in a subject I always struggled with.

The motivation to return and complete maths at this level was enforced by a conditional offer at University. I never anticipated how much I would enjoy the classes and was impressed by the dedication of the staff that are clearly committed to each person who attends the centre and are genuinely interested in their needs and personal progression.

In particular I would like to thank Roberta Gray for her encouragement and Michelle Pearse not only for her patience and excellent teaching but her skill in promoting self-esteem I strongly feel that the learning environment within the Shankill Women’s Centre contributed towards my success enabling me to commence Queens University this year.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the centre to friends and colleagues and believe the service provided is invaluable to adults returning to education.
Sarah Taylor

 Since starting the centre I have developed a more positive attitude. I enjoy going to my class, the atmosphere is always warm and friendly. I have learned new skills at crochet and have produced some lovely useful work. The staff are great, they are full of encouragement and are always eager to help. They also go out of their way to make us feel at home, which is a great comfort. I have enjoyed meeting new people and look forward to my class every week.
Alice McClelland

I have now been coming to the Shankill Women’s Centre for over two years. Before coming to this centre I attended a mixed care centre 5 days a week. The staff there felt I would flourish by attending a female based centre and I could continue with the stimulation they gave me and courses that suited my needs.

The staff in the Shankill Women’s Centre are in contact with my care worker on a regular basis and give an up-date on my progress. I am attending the centre 4 days a week and only 1 day at the other centre. I am attending: Ceramics, Crochet, Craft and Essential English classes. I have one to one tuition from the English tutor for one hour each week.

I now make many presents for my family and friends in my classes, which they are very pleased about. I was never able to crochet before and am now finishing a baby blanket for a friend. A craft fair was held and I made greeting cards for it. They were sold and the money went to help different classes.

I really enjoy coming to the centre, it gets me out of the house, has helped me make new friends and meet new people. I feel if I need someone to talk to I can go to any of the staff and they will listen to me and keep what I say confidential.
Brenda Reynolds