The Falls Women’s Centre was established in 1982 in West Belfast by local women, to improve the quality of life for women and their families living in areas of extreme deprivation and most affected by the conflict. The Falls Women’s Centre/Ionad Mhná na bhFál was the first of its kind in the area and has continually worked to raise awareness within the community and with statutory agencies on issues that affect women’s lives. Falls Women’s Centre is a women-only centre. It is staffed and managed entirely by women and is seen as an important support for women and their families.
The Falls Women's Centre/Ionad Mhná na bhFál as a community development organisation and through long term experience and expertise responds quickly and appropriately to community needs. These needs are not static but change and evolve as communities themselves change and evolve over time. Over the past twenty eight years we have developed policy, practice and services aimed at the most vulnerable members of our community to break the cycle of violence and poverty.
The Falls Women’s Centre is based in West Belfast a community recognized as one of the poorest in Western Europe. The Centre is involved in the economic development of the community and aims to support women’s development within the area. Furthermore, the Centre is committee to exploring practical ways of helping women to play a more prominent role in the economic life of the community through the provision of training, education, childcare, advice, advocacy, counselling, health and well-being.
The Centre has developed many networks and partnerships over the years both at a local, regional, national and international level. These networks have provided a means of further developing the work of the centre, sharing skills, experience, information and support to women and their families.
