Momentous move for Atlas

NOVEMBER will be a momentous month for Atlas Women's Centre when they move from Sloan Street to brand new premises in Gregg Street.

Explaining the background to the move and their hopes for the future, Stephen Reid, Manager of Atlas Women's Centre, said: "In October 2004 Atlas moved from one room in Bridge Street to about 5,000 sq ft in Sloan Street.

"The support we have received from the community over the last three years has forced us to hire out other rooms in the area to take our overflow.

"The opportunity arose to rent new premises in Gregg Street, which at 12,000 sq ft, will more than meet the demands being put on us by the local community and our supporters.

"It will double our tutorial suites, provide purpose-built childcare facilities and we hope to open a 50 seater restaurant in due course," added Mr Reid.

Success

The move to 12,000 square foot premises was announced last week during a visit to Atlas by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie.

Accompanied by Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea, the Minister spent an hour at the centre, visiting classes and the creche.

"It must create a great sense of security for the mothers using the Centre to know that their child is not only in good hands but is only a few steps away if they are needed," said the Minister.

The Minister then called into 'The Hub' coffee shop and had morning tea with some of the members of the organisation.

Congratulating Atlas on their move, MLA Basil McCrea said: "Atlas is moving on from strength to strength and are playing a very major role in the social health of our community." The Minister congratulated the organisation and wished it every possible success in its new venture.

julieann.spence@jpress.ca.uk

Evening of celebration for Atlas

Mrs Heather Patterson and Mrs Patricia McCarrol at the Atlas celebration in Hillsborough Castle.

LAST Thursday evening supporters and friends of Atlas Women's Centre were invited to an evening in Hillsborough Castle to celebrate their new move to Gregg Street.

Representatives of their new landlords, Mrs Heather Patterson and her sister Mrs Patricia McCarrol joined the evening to show their support for the work being done in the community by Atlas.

Together with the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ronnie Crawford, they complimented Atlas on the support it gives to women suffering from domestic violence.

"When I was the Chairman of the local District Policing Board I was shocked at the level of domestic violence occurring in our area," said the Deputy Mayor Ronnie Crawford. '

"It is partly through the good work of Atlas that these issues are addressed and women art given the opportunity to regain their self esteem and self confidence.

"This is a major unacknowledged contribution Atlas makes to our community, which is a vital foundation for these vulnerable women to rebuild their lives."