Latest from Footprints

2011 National Training Awards

Footprints are delighted to announce that they were shortlisted for a National Training Award this year and as a finalist in the Small employer category attended a prestigious ceremony held in Parliament Buildings on 5th September. 

The ceremony, hosted by presenter Claire McCollum, honoured four regional winners, who will go on to represent Northern Ireland at the National Training Awards Winners of the Year ceremony in London on 5 October 2011.

Women from All Over Leave Their Food Footprint

Footprints Women’s Centre hosted seven community Food Initiatives from across Ireland on 21st September 2011.  The networking event was organised to enable groups to share good practice and explore the long term sustainability of the projects.  The event took place as part of the Demonstration programme of Community Food Initiatives, a three year programme funded by Safefood for All.

Information & Enrolment Days Thursday 25th & Tuesday 30th August 2011

Come along to one of our information and enrolment days being held on Thursday 25th and Tuesday 30th August from 9.30am-12.30pm.  Our experienced staff can discuss your needs and help you find the course that's right for you.  With opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, develop new skills or simply relax and have a little fun, there is something for everyone!

The full list of courses available can be found in the Training section.

Contact Christine Cogrove or Yvonne Connolly for more information.

Footprints celebrate 20 years of providing valuable services to the community

Twenty years ago Footprints Women’s Centre held its first AGM. When the AGM commenced, every seat was taken and there was standing room only in the small packed bungalow that buzzed with excitement and anticipation of women ‘doing it for themselves’. Each year since, the AGM has maintained its energy and enthusiasm and continues to be a main focal point, offering an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to account to members for the work being carried out in their name.

Eaga Boost for Transition Footprints

Energy efficiency company Eaga has given a timely boost to the Transition Footprints initiative.  £3000 has been granted by the company, through a fund administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, to Footprints Women’s Centre to help fund two new composting areas in the grounds of the Centre.

This will enhance the production of the kitchen garden’s fresh fruit and vegetables supply used in the Centre’s catering services. Workshops will also take place to build skills and knowledge among local women and children in the management of the composting areas.

Social Entrepreneurship

Footprints Trading Ltd was shortlisted for the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards under the category for Social Entrepreneurship. Gillian Gibson, Centre Director and Elizabeth Livingstone, Finance & Business Manager ,attended the presentation lunch at the Merchant Hotel on Thursday 27th January 2011.

Whilst we were not outright winners, it is a testament to our achievement in the business arena  that we were included in the top 3 businesses in the category.

Reducing our Carbon Footprint

Footprints Women’s Centre were delighted to receive funding from the Big Lottery’s ‘Energy Efficient Venues’ Programme to carry out an energy audit at the Centre. In addition to identifying measures the Centre can take to improve energy efficiency, the audit will also consider the benefits of installing a renewable technology at Footprints. The funding will also enable us to obtain the statutory approval for any renewable technology installation. Another step towards ‘Reducing our Carbon Footprint’

Building a Transition Community

One year on from securing Safefood funding, Footprints Women’s Centre are reaping the benefits. The gardening group ‘Digging for Colin ‘have transformed waste ground into a kitchen garden complete with raised beds.Freshly picked delicious, seasonal vegetables are cooked at Footprints Catering Services and at homes in the Colin Neighbourhood

This vibrant group are now busy planning for spring. They will plant an even greater variety of vegetables and salad crops. They will also design a herb garden and plant an orchard.

Business Award

Footprints Women’s Centre is delighted to announce that their trading company has been shortlisted for the Ulster Bank Business Achiever’s Award for Social Entrepreneurship. The winner will be announced at an event to be held at the Merchant Hotel, Belfast on Thursday 27th January 2011.  

Information & Enrolment Days 25th and 30th August 2011

Come along to one of our information and enrolment days being held on Thursday 25th and Tuesday 30th August from 9.30am-12.30pm.  Our experienced staff can discuss your needs and help you find the course that's right for you.  With opportunities to gain recognised qualifications, develop new skills or simply relax and have a little fun, there is something for everyone!

The full list of courses available can be found in the Training section.

Contact Christne Cogrove or Yvonne Connolly for more information.

 

 

Launch of Transition Community Initiative

Footprints Women’s Centre launched a Transition Community Initiative on 25/10/10  Digging for Colin.   The initiative, which started in January 2010 is developing part of the grounds in the Centre to grow fresh fruit and vegetables and is also training women and children in food growing skills.

The project is funded by by Safe food a North South body responsible for food safety.  Healthy Food for All oversees the development of the project.

New Daycare Room & Open Evening

Footprints Women’s Centre is pleased to announce the opening of 15 new daycare places. An open evening will take place on Tuesday the 14th September for local families from 6 to 8pm. Come along and view our quality, purpose built provision and meet the staff team.

The daycare provision also boosts a sensory play garden and an outdoor playground.

We look forward to meeting you all.

Its Childs Play at Footprints

Footprints Women’s Centre has just opened an exciting and modern new children’s play area at their premises in Poleglass. The sensory play space features modern play facilities such as wooden wind-chimes, sandpits and natural exploration areas and will provide hours of enjoyment for the children who visit the centre.

The space was funded by the department of Education through the Capital fund. John Duffy, Chair of the Eastern Childcare Partnership noted the significance of this development said,

New initiative at Footprints Women’s Centre wins top healthy eating award

Footprints Women’s Centre is one of seven recipients across Ireland to receive funding aimed at promoting greater access and availability of healthy food to those on low incomes.

Footprints Women’s Centre’s  ‘Building a Transition Community’ initiative is a distinct area of work within the existing Health Living Project and part of the group’s ongoing endeavours to influence change within the Colin community by tackling health inequalities.

Affordable

Nolan Sisters Visit Footprints

In the mood for smiling during a visit to Footprints Women's Centre, Colinmill, Poleglass, were singing sensations The Nolans - Maureen, Colleen and Bernie, with Kyra Pauley, Childrens' Services Manager at the centre, who have received funding of £74,000 for three years to provide a Family Support Worker, thanks to local donations to BBC Children in Need. The sisters paid a visit to the centre ahead of their Belfast concert last night to see first hand the work of the centre and to meet Kyra and the team.

Celtic grant helps with our childcare facility

Celtic Football Club have recently awarded Footprints a £2,000 grant to boost resources within our childcare facility. 

At the same time we also received fantastic news from the Big Deal programme for Children and Young People,  who have granted £2,500  towards the delivery of a multi-cultural programme for children attending Footprints.

What a start to our new term!!

Footprints’ Carbon Footprint

Arena Network in association with Bombardier Aerospace have launched their Sustainable Communities Programme. Footprints Women’s Centre has been selected to take part in the programme which is offered free to local community groups.

The three key elements of the programme include: