Women's Centre NP seeks help for their 50th Anniversary

Wendy Richards from Volunteering New Plymouth

The New Plymouth Women’s Centre was set up in 1975 by a number of caring and perceptive women to meet the needs of women in their community.
To learn more about the Centre's beginnings Elaine Gill wrote a book 'From Carparks to Caring' (1982) which was updated and is 'Herstory' (1985). This is a very interesting read. And is available at the centre.

In addressing the very real needs of the time the basis of what would become New Plymouth Women's Centre was formed as a 'feminist group'. It was named the Women's Action Group with the aim to create "a base for activities that would assist women achieve independence" and initially formed to encourage self-expression.
As communities change & evolve the services needed by that community also change. While the services offered have changed to meet current needs the core business has remained the same. Remaining committed to improve the well-being of women in our community and aim to provide support and validation to women who are distressed by events in their life.
The Centre takes a humanist approach and the initiatives are based on the philosophy that meeting people’s basic needs such as food, shelter and a sense of belonging are the starting point for self-sufficiency, growth and emotional wellbeing.
Offering a safe place for women and their children to come when they need support, information, referrals, advocacy & family support. As a first point of contact for many women, staff respond to women expressing grief, anger, fear, anxiety, depression, isolation, financial stress, abuse, loneliness, parenting challenges and homelessness.
The service offers a non-judgmental environment for women to explore their options. Sometimes their situation will require a referral to another agency. With support and advice, it is possible for women to initiate simple changes that have major benefits for themselves and their families.

The Centre has two paid staff and two regular volunteers. The paid staff are integral to the effectiveness of the Centre and are supported by a committee. The Women's Centre operated as a collective for many years but with changes in funding criteria and to better manage the Centre a management committee was formed to oversee the daily operations.
In the past 10 years they have painted, gardened & done small scale renovations both inside and out; the result is a very welcoming and comfortable environment for all.
Currently they are preparing for their 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Centre – being the first Women’s Centre in New Zealand, so a great celebration is certainly in order. If you have time and you are interested in supporting the centre either volunteering for the day to day activities or to help the small sub committee members organise the 4 day event – which is to be held between 5th and 8th March 2025 the TIME IS RIGHT NOW; so
If you are interested to learn more about the work of Women’s Centre New Plymouth listen to Volly Voices on Access Radio 104.4FM on Sunday 30th June,2024 at 2pm where Leanne – chats about what is happening at the Centre and how they support the community.

This can also be listened to on:
Spotify open.spotify.com...
Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com...
Access Radio website www.accessradiotaranaki.com...
Volunteering New Plymouth website www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz...

If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Women’s Centre New Plymouth please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Email: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 to take the next step.