This activity has been set up to provide a forum where information and access to local resources is available and the women are invited to discuss a wide array of subjects such as their careers, employment, health issues, childcare, drug awareness and child and adult education.  The group is also used as a social forum for the women to enjoy group discussions as well as a monthly pampering night/social night, where women are able to enjoy three hours of therapeutic treatments, provided by local volunteers who are fully qualified and student therapists.  We also supply a crèche during both our day time and evening sessions ensuring the group is accessible for mothers with young children.  The group is open to all women living in the communities of North Kensington aged 18+, regardless of culture, nationality and religion.

Three of the women have recently set up a Positive Women’s Group Management Committee, because we felt the women wanted to be more instrumental in planning the subjects and activities we cover during the sessions.  This is also part of our ethos to develop the leadership and technical skills of our members.  Having undertaken some research in to what the women want, they have said they would like to socialise with other community groups, who they may not have much contact with i.e. women from other cultures and religions.  We have seen from our research there is not enough interaction between the many cultures living in North Kensington, which is an area where 102 different languages are spoken.   We think it is important for the women to socialise and not just interact with their own cultures because it is necessary to break down barriers.  Many also struggle due to poor English language skills and lack the confidence to seek out classes to make sufficient improvement to search for employment.  We want to help women to access local services, open up opportunities in order to improve their quality of life.

We feel the women will not only benefit from having more understanding about their neighbours and their cultures, but will also feel more comfortable around one another and be more likely to engage in conversation when they meet on the street.  They will also have knowledge of subjects like back to work, childcare, benefits, drug awareness, healthy lifestyle and eating, sexual health, adult education, job interview techniques and any women who wish to go back to work can be referred to our Job club.   They may have children who could benefit from one of our other projects such as our Girls’ Group or Boys’ Group, or they may feel it is appropriate to seek guidance as a family through our Parents United project.