A WORCESTER women’s centre has been handed a huge cash boost after being handed more than a quarter of a million from the National Lottery.
The Asha Women’s Centre was given a donation of more than £255,000 in the latest Big Lottery Fund giveaway of £2.1million.
Kind-hearted staff at the centre help women who have become disconnected from their communities for various reasons and help them learn new skills and access courses and help in a bid to reduce social isolation.
The money will support their Moving On Project for the next three years, which focuses on supporting women who have accessed their services move forward and access volunteering opportunities, training and employment.
Centre director, Lynne Fyfe, said: “This funding from the Big Lottery is fantastic news. We are delighted to have the work and project acknowledged and endorsed in this way. Asha is all about empowering women and giving them a voice.
“The Moving On project was borne out of the wishes voiced by women attending Asha. This project will also enable us to further support women and the local community will benefit enormously.”
Jo Berry, Joan Perkins and Becky Harris have all used the services at the centre and are part of the Moving On Project.
Joan Perkins said: “The help and support received to get through my situation has been key and I now want to move on to help others in similar situations. Without this funding that wouldn’t be possible”.
Becky Harris said: “I have had an amazing journey of support and I’m still being supported. Now as a volunteer I can help and support others at Asha and in the wider community.”
Jo Berry said: “Involvement at Asha has given me an opportunity and motivation to reach out to others. Being part of the Moving On project lets us have a say and a role in providing services to others.”
The donation are part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All and Reaching Communities programmes.
Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund, England grant-making director, said: “There is a great mix of projects being funded across the region that are working hard to make a difference to the lives of people in their local communities. The Big Lottery Fund is proud to support those who are taking a lead in making these positive changes.”
Visit www.ashawomen.org.uk or call 01905 767522 for more information about the charity.
