for women’s centre

Press, 22 September 1987, Page 3

for women’s centre

Christchurch womeri Wanting tp establish a women’s centra have appealed to; the “social conscience” of the business community for help after being disappointed at the lack of financial support offered by social service organisations. The Women’s House Coalition, an incorporated society, has been trying for four years to find financial support to obtain a suitable site, where the various women’s organisations now working in separate areas of the city could eventually share resources, pool information, and work in a supportive atmosphere under one roof. The groups would not have to lose their individual identities, said one of the women in the coalition, Ms Christine Hickey. '

■ ? The> coalition had] applied to.,seydrali social J hgencifes fesr fOfejuil had been turned down. It was disdppoiht-; ing that these organisations providing funding for children, families, and social-justice issues did not recognise women’s prime role within the family and society as a priority, said another member, Ms Corinne Stevenson. An urgent need existed for a central base, because women who “plucked up courage” to seek help often had more than one need and were sometimes referred to another organisation for additional help or support, she said.“One centre would save the hassles of running around for women.”