Spotlight: First Steps Women’s Centre

Firstly, who is First Steps Women’s Centre?

First Steps Women’s Centre is a safe, friendly space where women are supported to develop themselves (both personally and professionally) through various Well-being & Life skills courses as well as Employability programmes. You can learn such things as:

• African Drums
• Stress Management
• Stretch and Tone 
• Improve Your English
• Money Management 
• English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Cultural Programmes

Can First Steps Women’s Centre Help me?

If you are a woman over 18 who wants to learn new skills, possibly make new friends and build your confidence and have some fun then this is the place for you!

What do participants say?

"There is such a lovely feel when you come through the door.  It's so homely and when I am there I don't want to go home!  When I did my first ever course I thought to myself Why have I not been here before? and Why was I holding back?  Everyone is so nice and very friendly. It's so relaxing.”

“I can’t wait for the next course”

“Nice, honest, friendly people throughout the centre, extremely happy with course content. Nice setting. I would and will refer people in the future”

“I love coming to First Steps”

“It’s a very enjoyable and a great way of meeting friends”

“I have enjoyed some great courses in the women’s centre and I am glad I am retired to enjoy them.”

I would like to join new groups and classes but lack confidence. How can First Steps Women’s Centre help me overcome this?

As the very name of the centre suggests, First Step Women’s centre is all about taking that first important step.

Once you walk through their doors you will be greeted by friendly staff who will show you where to go and how to get the most of the courses you are attending. There is a lovely break during classes where you can have a cup of tea or coffee and get a chance to breathe, relax and get to know like minded people. 

What kind of courses do they provide?

They provide a wide range of courses in Wellbeing, Life Skills and Employability Skills.

Each course will support you to improve your overall well-being. Some will teach you how to improve your physical health while others will support you to improve your emotional and mental health. Each course is delivered by excellent tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and who will make you feel very comfortable.

Example of Well Being Courses

• Tai Chi 
• Introduction to Holistic Therapies
• Yoga

Example of Life Skill Courses

• English for Beginners
• Improving Your English

Example of Employability Courses

• Managing Personal Finance OCN Level 2 accredited
• Digital Literacy OCN Level 2 accredited
• Vocational Skills OCN Level 2 accredited

Please click the link below for a full list of courses 

Timetable - First Steps Womens Centre Dungannon County Tyrone 

How do I apply?

Visit our website to fill in application form. Once this has been completed someone will be in contact with you when a place becomes available . 

For Employability Courses please email fswc.olivia@gmail.com

How much do the courses cost?

A donation of £10 or £15 depending on course length

Where is First Steps Women’s Centre?

Our centre address is: 21a William Street, Dungannon, County Tyrone BT70 1DX

Take a look around!

Having trouble finding us? This might help!

What other services do First Step’s Women provide?

• Counselling 
• Hygiene Bank
• Childcare and transport for centre users

When are the courses run?

Term time is from September to June.

Courses normally run Monday to Thursday and are usually divided into morning sessions 9.45 to 11.45 and afternoon sessions 12.30 to 2.30pm. Some classes may vary.  

What if I need support with Child Care or Transport?

Yes Child Care and Transport may be available for attendees.  Here is some more information on these services.

Childcare:

First Steps Women’s Centre (FSWC) provides childcare for mothers or carers that are attending one of the many brilliant courses we offer at our Centre. Our childcare facility is a very large room (10m x 7.5 m) that has been completely refurbished and renovated in 2018. It has an on-site sandpit, library, and lots of toys with stimulating activities, all designed to provide children with a healthy and stimulating environment. All our childcare staff are trained and qualified to look after your child. Our role is to take away the worry and stress whilst you can concentrate and enjoy learning and making friends.

Transport:

First Steps Women's Centre (FSWC) has its own minibus which is used to transport women and their children to and from the Centre.

I would like to return to work but I don’t know where to start. Are there any programmes available that will help me find a job that suits me?

The Reap Programme is a new Employability programme running at First Steps Women’s centre. The programme is here to support you on your journey to employment. Whether you are ready for work or would just like more skills, training or confidence, you can join the Reap Programme.

• Weekly Job Club: Supports you in building a CV, doing job applications ,interview skills, building your confidence and much more.

• Digital Literacy: participants will learn office skills such as use of the internet, emails, Microsoft office tools, online safety and other online admin duties useful for work and life.

• Managing Personal Finance: participants will learn to manage a limited budget, balance income and expenditure, understand key financial info, how to manage or create savings and much more. They will learn how to reduce financial stresses in their lives

• Vocational Skills: participants will learn about a range of career options available, job searching tools, job applications tips, CV building support, interview skills and more.

All courses are OCN accredited.

If you require any further information, please contact fswc.olivia@gmail.com

How do I get in touch with First Steps Women’s Centre?

You can ☎️ them on 028 87 727 648

 or ✉️ thewomenscentre@gmail.com