falls womens centre/ionad mna bhfal
London
Falls Women’s Centre was established in 1982 in West Belfast by local women in
order to improve the quality of life for women and their families living in
areas of extreme deprivation and most affected by the conflict. It is based in
West Belfast, a community recognised as one of the poorest in Western Europe.
The Falls Women’s Centre was the first of its kind in the area and has
continually worked to raise awareness within the community and with statutory
agencies on issues that affect women’s lives. The Falls Women's Centre is a
community development organisation which, through long term experience and
expertise, responds quickly and appropriately to community needs. “These needs
are not static but change and evolve as communities themselves change and evolve
over time”. The Falls Women’s Centre is a women-only centre. It is staffed and
managed entirely by women and is seen as an important support for the community
locally, nationally and internationally. It is used as a referral point by
community, voluntary and statutory agencies. The Falls Women’s Centre/Ionad Mhná
na bhFál is involved in the economic development of the community and continues
to support women’s development within the area through the provision of
training, education, childcare, advice, advocacy, counselling, health and
well-being.