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Women’s Centre Rodney in Warkworth will add two new options to its already extensive range of courses next year, which are designed to help women at all stages of their lives.
The two courses are SuperGrans and Move Up.
Centre manager Jo Nicholson says the name SuperGrans is about to change to reflect that it is about sharing skills from all age groups, not just grandparents. It is about matching people who have a particular skill with people who want to learn that skill. This could be a craft, cooking, gardening or any number of other options, and the centre welcomes ideas from would-be volunteer tutors.
Move Up will be a nine-week programme starting on February 14. The target audience is recently-separated women, empty nesters or anyone who has had a significant career change.
“Outwardly, a lot of women look like they are doing okay but when there are major upheavals in our lives, we sometimes lose our focus,” Jo Nicholson says.
“We think this will suit a range of women who are coping with new challenges in their lives. Sometimes just sharing those challenges with others who are going through a similar experience is valuable in itself.”
Jo Nicholson says both the courses are in response to gaps that have been identified in the current programme.
“They also allow us to tailor to our own communities, but with courses that have proven national success.”
Between January and August last year, the centre interacted with more than 460 women, facilitating legal advice, young mothers support, personal development, health support and counselling.
Lunchtime and evening get-togethers covered subjects such as tenancy agreements, guardianship, nutrition and naturopathy.
Jo Nicholson says while the centre has always informally catered for women of all ages, this approach is becoming more structured.
“The aim is to provide women with a pathway to stay connected with the centre so that as they complete courses, there are other options to support them on their journey.”
Regular courses that will again be offered this year include clay workshops, craft, flax weaving and self-defence. Other activities include a regular walking group, Monday for Mums and crafty conversations.
For more information, contact the centre at info@womenscentrerodney.org.nz or phone 0800 237 674.
