The Women's Information Group is an umbrella organisation which brings together  women’s groups throughout Greater Belfast and the surrounding towns.

It was formed in 1980 because it was felt that women from different communities needed an opportunity to meet each other and exchange information so that they would feel better about their work, their interests, and their lives in their own neighbourhoods

Information is the key ingredient for any individual or group in the process of gaining confidence, of getting things done or simply being heard. It is a source of power and especially for women who are so often isolated in their homes where information is much harder to require.

• To help meet the needs of women attending Information Day and supporting their influence at local level.

• To broaden women's understanding of themselves within the whole community so benefiting them in a political sense from contact with other religions and cultures.

•  To encourage confidence in their ability to access information giving a sense of ownership over their lives and also their families and community.

YOUNG WOMEN'S PROJECT

"Health in your hands"

Monday 12th October

    For September Information Day we will visit the newly built Chinese Resource Centre to hear about the services and activities they are providing. We will look at their culture and tradition.

The programme will include:

• Welcome and overview of the new Chinese Resource Centre and services they provide by Eileen Chan Hu

• Benefits by Dr Lai Pang

• Health Services – registering with GP and dentist by William Olphert

• Racism by Eileen Chan Hu

•  Demonstration/ Workshop of Tai Chi Fan by Jane Burke

Venue: Chinese Resource Ctr, 1 Stranmilllis embankment

TIME: 10.30 to 12.30

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and to taste authentic Chinese food. This is a morning to learn, enjoy, gather information about another culture and try their FOOD!!!!                                              

Women’s Information Group have launched a Young Women’s Newsletter. If you would like a copy of the first edition Please Tel W.I.G on 90244119 or email women@infogroup.club24.co.uk

To get a copy of Young Women's Newsletter-1st Edition Click Here

WOMEN'S INFORMATION GROUP NEWSLETTER

Michele has worked extensively in the Voluntary sector in both community development and fundraising for many years.

She currently works in rural development and is on the Board of NIRWN. Her recent experience has also included considerable work in the area of mental health and suicide prevention.

Michele serves on numerous Committees working with Statutory bodies and local government. She recently served on the Rural Childcare Committee set up by the DARD Minister, Michelle GIldernew, to review and advise on rural childcare provision.

In her ‘spare’ time, Michele is actively involved as a Volunteer in her own village where she has the role of ‘Wildlife Guardian’ developing and supporting wildlife and environmental improvement.

She is looking forward immensely to the new challenge in working with WIG but fully acknowledges it will be a difficult role in taking forward the fantastic work of Kathleen.

On my retirement I can look back on the 29 years I have spent with Women’s Information Group and the role I played supported by brilliant staff and dedicated Management Committee members; I can only describe these years as a wonderful experience.

The first Information Day was in 1980. It was held at Hampton House in East Belfast and was organised by four community workers. I attended representing the Twinbrook Mother and Toddler Club. I was a very nervous participant, who was unused to leaving my area to attend meetings, but I was curious to know what other women were doing in their areas. From these initial meetings I was employed to promote W.I.G. throughout the Belfast area.

The growth of W.I.G. over the years allowed women to meet, gain knowledge, share experiences, learn from each other and about each other’s community and culture. Gaining confidence and knowledge together enabled women to identify their needs and organise projects to meet them.

It was an honour to have met and worked with so many brilliant women. Over the years I was fortunate to have formed many friendships from all sections of the community. I will miss the jokes, fun and laughter shared with so many making each day so special and different.

It was an honour and privilege to have been part of it.

I wish Michele Baird every success in her new role and hope she enjoys her time with the organisation as much as I have.

COMMUNITY HEALTH INFORMATION WORKERS

On the 18th June 09 the five projects networked in Mourne mountains at a centre, Rainbow’s End, working together to complete a painting with each person painting a leaf for the “Leaves of Life” picture. This enjoyable experience marked the last session before the summer months.

REMINDER…..

All groups first meeting to select topics at our premises at 7 University Rd Belfast on Thursday 10th Sept 09 (for this session only). Please phone W.I.G. 90 244119 to confirm your attendance.

Excellence Course for Personal Success

Women’s Information Group is organising 10 weeks Excellence Course for Personal Success. This course will deal with different aspects of personal development such as assertiveness, stress, self talk, self confidence, comfort zone and the importance of goal setting.

Date: Thursday, 23rd September 2009

Time: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Venue: Women's Information Group, 7 University Road

Crèche, refreshments, transport expenses and facilitators are provided FREE.

For further information and an application form contact on 028 90 244 119

For Further details Click Here  or

Phone Women's Information Group. 90244119

Do you want to feel positive about yourself, able to cope with everyday pressures and able to form and maintain relationships? When you are suffering from poor mental health it affects all areas of your life. Having a mental illness i.e. depression, anxiety or schizophrenia means you need to look after yourself and not be afraid to ask for help.

This 6 week course (1 session per week) held in the privacy of our training room and facilitated by mental health professionals, will look at:

• Knowing Ourselves

• Healthy Living

• Believing in Ourselves

• Dealing with our Emotions

• Making Changes/Reflection

• Relationships with others

• Managing Having a Mental Health Problem    

DATE: Thursday 24th September 2009 TIME:10.30 - 12.30 pm

VENUE: W.I.G., 7 University Road, Belfast       

To accommodate large number of participants a 2nd course will be organised when this one finishes.

For further information contact Sunita on 90244119.

Date: 25th September 09

Time: 10.30 - 12.30

Venue: W.E.A., 1-3 Fitzwilliam Street, Belfast.

Refreshments, transport expenses and facilitators are all provided FREE .

Crèche to be confirmed.

This is a great chance for women to learn more about using computers and internet and break fears of using modern technology improving their skills and way of life.

For further information contact WIG on 028 90 244 119.

This is an ongoing project for the larger woman to identify ways of changing lifestyles. The project motivates and encourages women to make choices for themselves by providing knowledge of calories and visits to gyms and yoga giving practical experience to make changes in mind and body.

Future Sessions

• 07/09 Welcome meeting
• 14/09 Eating Disorders
• 21/09 Exercise - Dig it, eat it
• 28/09 Healthy Eating
• 05/10 Evans - Clothes Show
• 12/10 Visit a leisure Centre
• 19/10 Mot Health Checks

Come along and join us each Monday from 10.30 to 12.30 at our premises 7 University Rd Belfast. Everyone is given light exercises during the project which must be continued at home. There is a voluntary weigh-in each week.

Payment: £2 per week, half going towards cost of program and lunch and other half repaid every ten weeks as incentive for attendance. For further information contact W.I.G. 9024 4119

To get a copy of Leaflet/Programme Click Here