About Us

Just for women is a non profit organisation based in Stanley, County Durham.
Since 2011, we have been helping women to transform their lives after dealing with abuse, mental ill-health and social isolation. Built upon founder Linda Kirk’ssocial work background and a lifelong passion for crafting, women could attend the centre and learn new crats, make friends and be supported through their problems. Nine years later, crafting is still at the heart of our service, but we now also offer learning opportunities, a counselling service and more. Both Linda and the service have won many awards for the work Just for Women has done with vulnerable women and we will continue to deliver our services with passion and dedication.

What We Do

We offer support to women across County Durham through a variety of services. We offer our clients the opportunity to learn new skills, take part in craft workshops, access free counselling and make friends. Our women-only centre is a safe and welcoming place to chat, craft, laugh and learn.

Vision

To ensure that every women, child and their family, in our community, has the support, tools and opportunities they need to live safely, gain financial stability and lead enriched lives

Mission

To work in partnership with the community of Stanley to provide a service that empowers and supports women, children and their families to move beyond the constraints of mental health, poverty, domestic violence and worklessness.

What We Do

Provide a safe space for our community to grow through:
> Health and wellbeing support
> Personal development
> Support into employment
> Training
> Upskilling
> Creative therapy
> Counselling
> Raising aspirations

"The women centre has done more for me than anyone from other organisations. Linda, all the staff and their counsellors have helped me with my PTSD and depression. If it wasn’t for the Women’s centre I would have put myself in danger with self-harming and suicide. I have got my self-confidence and self-esteem due to going on the courses they put on, and their counsellors who help me to cope with my depression and PTSD. If the women’s centre was to close I would never be able to cope with myself, or know where to go to do the things that the women’s centre do with help people like myself.”

- Wendy

"When I came to the centre I had bad anxiety and depression. I knew nobody but I was made to feel welcome. I have been coming for a few years now and have learnt so much. I have done different crafts and have done lots of courses and gained qualifications. I love coming here. It has been a life saver for me. I’ve made good friends and am a lot more confident. Coming here is the best thing I have done.”

- Karen

"I found the Just for Women Centre over 6 years ago while looking for a job. That was when I started volunteering for the centre. It is an inspiring place where you can feel the confidence in you grow. In the time that I have been here I have gained qualifications and got a part time job. I have made some good friends which I never had because I moved here to get away from a domestic abuse relationship. I have had counselling, but I was strong enough to not need it. All the time the centre is supportive no matter how big or small your problem is. I am currently doing a teaching course so I can teach others to knit this is because it smooths myself and my mind so I’m not reliant on pills for when I feel depressed. I also got involved in a play called make do and mend to tell my story and spread the word about domestic abuse because its not all black eyes and bust lips. The play went out in 2016 and has brought awareness in school, workplaces and communities.”

- Louise

“I love coming to the women’s centre in Stanley because I love doing all the courses and the arts and crafts, and people here are really nice and friendly. I like meeting new friends here and I also like the tea rooms. I have achieved qualifications such as dementia, maths and English. What I like about the arts and crafts is you can make cards and crochet.”

- Samantha

"Before I came to this group I didn't have the confidence to talk to many people and I rarely went out places with my friends. I have learnt about how to keep myself safe and not to be held back by my mental health."

- Kira

Could you help us in our work with vulnerable women?

We rely on volunteers to help us in our work with vulnerable women. If you have some time to give then we would love to talk to you. If, however, you prefer a more hands off approach we appreciate all donations and fundraising efforts made in our name. Speak to us to find out how you can help