Brighton and Hove Women’s Club

Removing cultural barriers and encouraging women to join in community activities.

Members of the women’s club in “Sewing Action”.

Brighton and Hove has a large and varied multi-cultural population rich in culture and heritage. Although there is much to learn from each other, the language difference creates a barrier, which can be difficult to overcome, preventing individuals from becoming fully integrated into their local community.

Brighton and Hove Women’s Club has been set up for women with English as their second language who may be feeling isolated from local activities or services. The women will be encouraged to share their ideas and culture and gain new skills as well as enjoying social activities with others in similar situations.

This project was the outcome of a successful pilot, which highlighted an ever growing need to provide opportunities for women to participate in everyday community activities, such as exercise classes, social outings and meeting new friends. The club then successfully applied for an Awards For All grant of £4,299 to pay for keep fit, yoga and swimming classes, together with a programme of walking for health with the aim of promoting healthy living in a supportive group setting. The new activities will help to promote the club and attract new members as well as volunteers to help sustain the club’s activities for many years to come.