Women have their say on new action plan

Over 100 women from south Roscommon gathered in the Abbey Hotel on Friday last to have their say on the Roscommon Women’s Network Community Development Project action plan. The exclusion of young women from BreastCheck, rural transport, interaction between young people and elderly people and the WestDoc service were among the topics raised at the event. This was the second such event, with an event for women from the north of the county having taken place in the White House Hotel in Ballinlough in June. The Roscommon Women’s Network community development project aims to support and provide information to women in the county. Among the actions suggested during the consultation were: A one stop shop for all funding sources, questions and application forms A central point of contact for all services, information, grants, benefits, etc. for women and especially the older people. A Volunteer Agency where people who are willing to volunteer some of their time to help someone who needs it could be put in contact with each other. To make a more concerted effort to bring foreign national women and women from disadvantaged communities living in the county along to events. Lobby on behalf of the women of the county to improve health services, transport, care for the elderly, etc. To raise awareness on issues affecting women such as domestic violence against women. If you would like a copy of the full report from this conference please contact the Project Coordinator, Nora Fahy or Project Administrator, Maria Harris on (071) 96 34686. The Roscommon Women’s Network Project will be based in The Old Mill in Castlerea with effect from end of October 2007 and the project will be launched and the new premises officially opened during November 2007. Roscommon Women’s Network CDP this week thanked all the women who took time out to take part in this consultation process. Staff will now review the output from the conference and will use the suggested actions to help formulate the project’s work plan for 2008 and direct the work of the project over the coming year.