Looking Back at January & February…
A TOURIST IN OUR OWN CITY!
Motivated by some heating issues in our building, the Getting Together Club visited the Tower Museum to learn a little something new about this interesting city!
The group was shown around by an amazing tour guide, Chris who made the trip so special and so valuable for the ladies. The staff at the Tower Museum were so kind and helpful when it came to getting this last minute trip organised. It's amazing how you can live somewhere all your life and still learn something new about it!
Then, we stopped in Maiden Heaven Coffee Shop where we treated the ladies to a lovely cup of tea and a delicious scone. The staff were so friendly and accommodating. It just made the day out that wee bit more special! We'd like to thank the ladies for joining us for this last minute trip and we hope you all enjoyed yourselves!
WOMEN IN CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERSHIP
Our Coordinator, Catherine, and our Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Project Officer, Holly, attended a reception for Women in Civil Society Leadership at the request of Joint Secretary Laurence Simms, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Emma Madigan.
This wonderful event brought together women who are leading the way in positive change in the communities across Northern Ireland.
Bringing people together to discuss projects, plans, and ongoing issues creates a collaborative network of women working together.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Uachtarán na hÉireann / President of Ireland Catherine Connolly who gave a beautiful address recognising the positive impact, and the hard work that is done in the community sector.
President Connolly also took the time to speak with Catherine and Holly about the work that we do at FWIN, our upcoming conference, and our Ending Violence Against Women and Girls project. It was such an honour to be invited to this reception, and for President Connolly to take a moment to speak with FWIN.
ST. BRIGID'S DAY CELEBRATIONS
We brought a group of women together to celebrate St Brigid's day and mark the first day of spring, otherwise known as Imbolc.
What better way to do that than in a beautiful wreath making class! Our wonderful facilitator, Hayley showed the ladies how to make Brigid's cross, woven from rushes - a tradition that dates back to the 17th century! These woven crosses are believed to bring blessings and protection from St. Brigid which makes it a welcome addition to our homes!
The crosses were incorporated into wreathes, decorated with some of the most beautiful spring flowers.
Then ladies relaxed, crafted, and shared cups of tea and delicious pink doughnuts!
This class was about women coming together and using our hands to create something beautiful, while sharing special conversations together. These spaces help us build a sense of community, forge friendships, and make memories that we can share with our families.
We'd like to thank all of the women who attended and made it so welcoming and special, Hayley for her patience and guidance, and also thanks to the lovely team at Gregs, Foyleside who helped us organise the doughnuts!
We'd also like to thank our funder Choice Housing whose support made this beautiful event possible!
GALENTINE'S DAY AT FWIN!
What a wonderful way to spend Galentine's Day!
We spent the afternoon making some Valentine's cards for our loved ones. It was a very relaxed atmosphere with no instructions or guidance, just lots of crafting supplies and good conversation.
The conversations flowed as the ladies worked together to make some beautiful cards, sharing stories about who they're going to give them to - whether it was a partner, a family member, or even a pet. It was a simple, thoughtful gesture that took time and effort to make.
Then, we got a little bit competitive with a Valentine's quiz! It was a close competition but one group came out on top and claimed the top prize!
Each of the ladies took home a lovely chocolate rose and a delicious red velvet cupcake from Gluten Free Artisan Bakery Co.
Our Galentine's Day was about women coming together and taking some time out for themselves, catching up with friends, and enjoying a nice sweet treat!
We'd like to thank all of the ladies who came along and made the day so special! We'd also like to thank Rebekah for providing the most delicious cupcakes! And of course our funder, Choice Housing who made this day possible!
A LITTLE REMINDER: YOU ARE SO LOVED
We spotted this lovely little reminder on Shipquay Street and just had to share.
Each and every one of you is loved.
And if you're not sure, just know that we love each and every one of our members because it's your support, your encouragement, and your stories that continue to inspire us and the work that we do!
STAND STRONG: PERSONAL PROTECTION CLASSES
This February we kicked off the first of 4 weeks of personal protection classes.
These classes have been designed to give you the confidence to protect yourself. These classes are so much more than self defense from a physical attack. These classes look at personal protection in as many scenarios as possible - including those asked by the participants!
Peter and Mark from Lifestyle Combat lead us through a series of guided exercises from breathing and grounding, to blocking and striking.
This class was open to all women over the age of 18, and all abilities. You can come alone or sign a friend up. You can join in if you want, or simply sit and observe.
The main thing we wanted participants to get from these classes is to take their power back and stop feeling small or afraid in their day to day life!
Our EVAWG Project Officer Holly was also on hand to join in or for a chat over a cuppa at the end of the class.
This programme is now full but we will let you know when we’ve organised the next group.
UNDER ONE ROOF!
We were happy to attend the Under One Roof event organised by Women Centre Derry.
Over 20 organisations came together under one roof that offer information, services, support, or programmes for women.
The staff at the Women's Centre made sure everyone was well looked after with a delicious cupcake, a rose, and a nice cuppa.
There are so many amazing services within the Derry City & Strabane District so if you have a question or you're not sure where to go, feel free to get in touch and we can help you find the service you need.
PIZZA & POLITICS: EGLINGTON
We wrapped up February with our first Pizza & Politics of 2026!
This session was hosted by Eglinton Community Hall, and gave the local women an opportunity to meet Alderman Julie Middleton and Alderman Janice Montgomery, two local representatives.
The women heard from both councillors about the work they do, and the challenges they face as women in a male-dominated field, like harassment and threats.
We had some great conversations over some delicious pizza about the issues, struggles, and challenges the local women faced, while Julie and Janice helped the women understand what sort of support is available and how they can work with the local women to get their concerns addressed.
It was so wonderful to hear the passion and dedication from two councillors who are committed to making their local communities better.
Everyone came away from the evening with a better understanding of our local issues, and meeting the faces behind the local campaign posters.
We've got a few more Pizza and Politics events planned so if you'd like us to organise one in your area, make sure you send an email to info@fwin.org.uk.
We hope you enjoyed looking back on a snippet of the fun we had in this month! You can always visit our Facebook page to see what else we’ve gotten up to! You can also join us on our adventures by visiting our events page to see what else we’ve got planned.
