Thoughts turn to women in need

The Womenspace members wrapped up the parcels at their Christmas party on Monday, ready for delivery to two local projects supporting vulnerable women.

The gifts will go to a women’s refuge in North Kirklees and a project which works with failed women asylum seekers in Kirklees who are waiting to leave the UK and would otherwise be destitute .

Development officer Tracey Drake helps runs the weekly women’s group on behalf of WomenCentre Calderdale and Kirklees.

“We call it the Madhatter’s Tea Party,” she said. “It’s a support group designed mainly to break isolation. We just sit down and put the world to rights!”

The group promotes health and wellbeing by encouraging members to give, be active in their community, take notice, connect and keep learning.

Ms Drake said: “Christmas is a giving time and we thought we would like to give something.

“All the items have come from members and their friends. They’ve been asking people to contribute or buying that little extra something when they go to the supermarket. Every week somebody has come and given something.”

The group meets at the Women’s Health Centre in Wellington Street, Dewsbury, on Mondays, noon-2pm.