New women’s centre sets date to open in Crewe town centre

A new women’s centre is set to breathe new life into Crewe town centre as a massive operation to transform an empty shop draws to completion.

Her-Place Charitable Trust has confirmed September 12 as the opening date for its new base in the former TUI unit at the Victoria Centre, creating a welcoming space where women, girls and families can access support, advice and activities under one roof.

The charity launched a fundraising appeal earlier this summer to help transform the vacant town centre unit into a vibrant community hub.

Since then tradespeople, businesses and supporters have donated their time, skills and resources to help prepare for opening.

They have ripped out old wiring, painted, laid new flooring, put up shelves and generally pulled out all the stops working day and night.

Now with the make-over almost complete, charity officials are preparing to host a wide range of services at the centre including wellbeing sessions, counselling, women’s health events, police surgeries, legal advice drop-ins and community activities.

There will also be a community laundrette allowing families to wash and dry clothes free of charge. A similar scheme is popular at the Her-Place base in Winsford.

It will also host newly-announced #HerSocial events such as quiz nights, relaxation evenings, ‘Sassy Ladies’ chats and ‘Meet the Author’ in the well-stocked reading area.

All will help drive footfall into the town centre. Details can be found on Her Community Facebook group.

Kate Blakemore, charity founder and CEO, said: “When we first announced our plans for a women’s centre in Crewe, we knew it would take a big community effort to make it happen.

“The response has been heart-warming. Local businesses have donated materials and expertise, volunteers have rolled up their sleeves and supporters have backed us every step of the way.

“This centre belongs to the community. It has been built by people who believe every woman and girl deserves somewhere safe, welcoming and accessible where they can find support, friendship and hope.

“It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, not just for Her-Place, but for Crewe helping to breathe new life into the heart of town.”

The new centre builds on the charity’s work at its other base on Beech Drive, Wistaston where it has spent more than a decade supporting women experiencing trauma, disadvantage, domestic abuse, poor mental health and social isolation.

Support for the new centre has come from a variety of organisations and businesses including AO.com, Cheshire Lettings, Crewe Town Council, Mornflake, Radius and SP Energy, YMCA GLO Maintenance and the National Lottery Reaching Community fund.

Kate added: “Through the Community Foundation, Bentley has covered staffing the centre for a year which is a huge help. We’re so grateful to everyone who has made the centre possible.

“Now we can’t wait to open the doors on September 12 and welcome everyone inside to see what has been achieved.”

To support the new centre email events@her-place.co.uk or call 01606 557666.

To give to the online appeal go to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/crewe-womens-centre?fbclid=IwY2xjawTUKqtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5S1JhMHRMUFhnUzVJeEEzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnG80sU4-o3Q6G_DtCxYLVfpqZwUxCd2Ws448c7e3DBzOeze84zugmPxSfgK_aem_K5n1ZFMO2RFAUV5IncRkWA