Here at Nottingham Women’s Centre, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a very important and inspiring day for us as well as every woman all over the world. It is a global day that celebrates economic, political and social achievements of women around the world. Since 1971, Nottingham Women’s Centre has been marking the day with a range of engaging activities and events to celebrate women. This year our theme is “Strong Women, Healthy Minds”, in the spirit of the Olympics- London 2012. It will be held at Nottingham Women’s Centre, 30 Chaucer Street, NG1 5LP between 12noon – 4pm. Some of the free events on offer are: head massage sessions, jewellery and crafts exhibitions, music, tombola, healthy food, and lots more. This part of the event is FREE. There is also an after-party at 6.30pm. Tickets for the after party is £3 (in advance)  £5 on the night. There really is something for everyone!

More details in the flyer: IWD Fyler2012

Nottingham Women’s-Centre’s JOB CLUB & Guideline Career Services PRESENTS : Interview Techniques Workshop, Tuesday 28th February 2012, 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Nottingham Women’s Centre has a rich lesbian history. The Centre used to host Lesbian Line and the Lesbian Centre, as well as numerous other groups.

As part of LGBT History Month, we’re inviting lesbians to drop in to the Centre on Monday 20th February from 5.30pm-7.30pm to share a coffee and cake with us and find out more about the Centre and it’s history, as well as what’s going on for lesbians in Nottingham now. We’d love to hear your memories of past groups like Lesbian Line and the Lesbian Centre and for you to tell us your views on what the Centre could or should be providing for women in Nottingham, and gay women in particular.

We hope to see some of you on the 20th!

Nottingham Women’s Centre BIG GIVEAWAY: BRIC-A-BRAC, TEA, COFFEE & CAKES. Come along for a coffee, chat and revamp your wardrobe. Please circulate this to any women who you feel may benefit…

On Saturday 27th January, Nottingham Roller Derby team the Hellfire Harlots swapped their rollerskates for paint rollers to give our basement a new coat of paint. As well as giving up an afternoon to help us, they’ve generously offered to continue to support us in the future. We really appreciate their support.

“We had a great day painting, and really enjoyed being able to make a difference to the general atmosphere of the basement area, which will be used by the recovering female offenders. We hope to continue helping the Women’s centre where we can, and as a small gesture will be donating the proceeds of our raffle at our next live match to the centre.” Molly Simmonite (AKA Vera Loathing) – Treasurer for the Hellfire Harlots.

You can find out more about the Hellfire Harlots on their website: http://www.hellfire-harlots.co.uk/

Win tickets!

The Hellfire Harlots first bout of the season is on Saturday 11th February, from 1pm at Harvey Haddon Sports Complex. We’ve got two free tickets to give away to the first person to leave a comment below (make sure you leave your e-mail address!)

We’ve got lots coming up for mums at Nottingham Women’s Centre over the next couple of months…

• Help I’m a Parent! A 5 week course which introduces a variety of parenting techniques and provides a space for women to discuss their own experiences of parenting. The course is free to women on benefits, and childcare and travel costs can be covered. Starts Wednesday 22nd February, 10am – 12.30pm. 

• Child Maintenance Briefing Session - Wednesday 22nd February, 1pm-2pm. A briefing session on the work of the Child Maintenance Options service, a new body set up in 2008. Suitable for women who have their own questions about child maintenance as well as workers that want to learn more about how the service can help. Free to attend.

• Mums and Tots fitness sessions at the Centre, provided by BacktoNetball. Fun fitness exercises for women with children aged 6 months – 3 years. The sessions will now start after Easter – contact us if you’re interested in finding out more.

Get in touch with us on 0115 941 1475 or admin@nottinghamwomenscentre.com for more information.

After our open day today we still have places left on a few of our courses:

Introduction to Basic Computer Skills
This course is for complete beginners. You will cover the basics of using a computer including an introduction to Microsoft Word.
Start Date: Friday 13th January 2012
Time & Duration: 10:00am – 12:00pm for 5 weeks
Cost: Free (subject to eligibility)

A Gentle Introduction into Getting That Job
This course will involve practical help in: writing your own CV, where to look for relevant jobs, filling in application forms, background information on how to prepare for an interview and a mock interview when you can put into practice all the skills you have learned.
Start Date: Thursday 19th January 2012
Time & Duration: 9:45am-12:00pm for 4 weeks
Cost: Free – and childcare and travel may be reimbursed

Help I’m a Parent!
This course will promote feelings of self-confidence by offering an introduction to a variety of parenting techniques.
It will provide a space to discuss own experiences of parenting both positive and negative in a relaxed, supportive, adult environment.
Start date: Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Time & Duration: 10:00am – 12:30pm for 5 Weeks
Cost: Free (subject to eligibility) - and childcare and travel may be reimbursed

For more information contact us on 0115 941 1475 or e-mail: training@nottinghamwomenscentre.com.

Happy New You! One thing we love about a new year is that it is always a time when many women make new decisions about certain areas of their life… so whether it involves becoming a healthier or more centred person, learning new skills, starting that dream business or just making new friends; You really don’t have to embark on this journey alone, we are here to support you in every way! If you would like to know more about how we will be helping more women achieve their goals this 2012, then pop in to Nottingham Women’s-Centre Or come along to our Information Day on the 9th of January at 10am to 2pm. Be the powerful woman you are destined to be.

We’ve put together a new programme of courses for the new term, starting in January. Courses include:

• Maths for life and work
• Basic computer skills
• Literacy
• Help I’m a Parent!

…plus many more. We also run various workshops, support groups and wellbeing sessions. To find out more, please download our course booklet.

We’re holding an information day on Monday 9th January so that you can find out more about the courses in the booklet and also some other ideas that we’ve got waiting in the wings – like mums and tots fitness sessions, children’s yoga, boxing and employability sessions. Come along on the 9th, between 10am and 2pm, to find out more or to enrol.

We put together a short video to mark our 40th anniversary – 1971-2011.

The video was first shown at our AGM and you can view it here: