Women's Construction Centre threatened

The Women’s Construction Centre on Buckenham Street, heard news in March that they would have to close because of lack of funding.

But at an emergency meeting of 25 women on 20th March they agreed to take on the running of the Centre themselves.

The Centre opened five years ago and has run courses in construction skills including tiling, plastering and brick laying for women and the community.

Working with the Hindu Samaj, who own the building, they have done extensive renovation work with the help of volunteers and learners. The Centre is part of the South Yorkshire Women’s Development Trust who announced at an earlier meeting that they would be closing on 17th May because money had run out.

In response women, including tutors and learners, from all over Sheffield gathered for the emergency meeting and expressed how important the Centre had been for them and the community.

Women's views

“It’s unique in the city. This is the first place women come to when they want to find out more about working in trades.”

“The work in the community has been really important, people have got such a lot out of it.”

“Its frustrating to think it might close, as there’s such a need for the work we do.”

“We’ve done an awful lot of work on this place, its been five years of hard graft. And we’ve made an important circle of friendships during that time.”

“Its an amazing group of women that have been involved, its been really special and important to me.”

“Its been crucial for me that it was a women only space, that has helped me progress and allowed me to build my confidence without feeling intimidated.”

The meeting looked at setting up a management committee and subgroups, under the Tradeswomen South Yorkshire charity. Without any funding they are considering keeping the centre open with volunteers.

If you think you could help the project with funding or your time contact Tradeswomen South Yorkshire on 07813 263 388.