New headquarters for Women’s Forum

Carrickfergus Women’s Forum is now operating from 2 Rhanbuoy Park after the closure of its former North Road base.

The community-based organisation provides support and care for women experiencing difficulties with their mental health.

Earlier this year, the Times reported that the future of the North Road centre was uncertain after staff received word the building was to be repossessed in November.

Speaking to the Times in August, the Forum’s education officer Lorraine Craig said: “There’s not only a fear that the disruption might cause people to withdraw, but that the service might become fragmented. In our previous premises we had a an office, but classes often had to take place elsewhere, whereas here on North Road we have everything under one roof.”

However, fears over possible disruption to the service were allayed when staff were contacted by a resident following the story’s appearance in the local press.

“The lady who contacted us let us know about a house that was available in Rhanbuoy Park, and thankfully we’ve been able to move and keep all parts of the service together as before,” said Wilma Nicholl from Carrickfergus Women’s Forum.

“Our new premises at Rhanbuoy Park is a warm, welcoming and homely building, and is excellently suited to our purposes. Providing a home-like atmosphere is an important aspect of what we do at CWF, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to base ourselves in this new property.”