What's New

A network providing women throughout the Southern Isles with opportunities to meet, share experiences and develop their skills.

The network is for all women to

Provide a forum to network, exchange ideas, gain confidence and develop personally and/or professionally

Increase their ability to become actively involved in commerce, business, voluntary, community and public life

Provide a stimulating and informative programme of events that give real practical benefit

Combat social and geographical isolation by providing a support network throughout the Southern Isles

The aim of this project is to highlight the needs of Island women. By listening to their ideas, wishes and concerns, a broad programme of events that are relevant, practical and inspirational is being delivered. It is intended that this will help towards the further development of individuals, in areas of personal development, self-esteem, and equality, ultimately the wider community will see a positive benefit.

2005 Spring Programme

•  'Preparing for Public Life' - Talk by Mhairi Bremner - 7 women attended

•  International Womens Day Celebration -'Stress Management' by Denise Ghalebei: range of   workshop delivered by wide range of local tutors - 45 women attended

•  Special evening organised for women staff at Iochdair School, South Uist - 21 women attended

•  'Good Posture' -Workshop led by Callum MacLeod, Manual Handling Trainer Western Isles Health Board - 14 women attended

•  'Equality Issues'- Presentation from Cathy Peattie MSP - 6 women attended

2005 Autumn Programme

•  'Slow Food'- Presented by Carole Inglis, SALE - 24 women attended

•  'Good Posture 2' - Callum MacLeod is returning to deliver the second part of his course - 15 women attended

•  'Daily Bread' - bread making workshop - 18 women attended

•  'Awayday to Barra'- opportunity for Uists and Barra women to meet - 28 women booked but event had to be abandoned due to adverse weather conditions

Total of 150 women attended an event during the year.

Registration of members set up in January 2005 at £5.00 per annum has currently attracted total of 45 members.

Programme for 2006

February

 'Introduction to Meditation'- meditation class, Sheila Park (Complementing our Health Group), Urachadh Uhibist- North Uist - 10 women attended

'Daily Bread in Barra' - Bread making workshop, Ursina Hack-Maclellan, Castlebay School , Isle of Barra - 10 women attended

March

International Women's Day - 11th March 2006, Liniclate School, Isle of Benbecula

'Celebrating Foreign Influences'- Salsa Rhythm, Belly dancing, 'Indian experiences', foreign flavours, Reiki, refloxology, Hopi Ear Candle, massage, Pensions advice - Event funded by Women's Fund for Scotland

May

Mind Mapping - 'Introduction to Mind mapping' workshop led by Christine Wood, Lewis. 18 th May at Borrodale Hotel. Starting at 10.30 am with coffee; Class starts at 11.00 am ; Lunch at 1.00 pm . Please book as places are limited!

August

'Bean sprouts for health' - Hands-on activity! Ursina Hack-Maclellan will teach us how to grow a ready supply of bean sprouts for use in many recipes throughtout the year. Nunton Steadings, Nunton, Isle of Benbecula (Date tbc)

September

'Fast, Fresh Food' - cooking demonstration, Isobel Graham (Natural Cooking of Scotland Tutor), event linking- in with Barra local Food Producers Group market day, Castlebay School, Isle of Barra

October

'You are what you eat' - dietician led workshop, Caladh Trust Building , East Camp, Isle of Benbecula

November

'Awayday to Barra' - Inter- island networking event. Belly dancing, Salsa rhythm and drumming workshop, Uist and Barra women to meet up in Vatersay Hall, Vatersay.

Contact Details

For a registration form or for more information contact

the connect co-ordinator Laura Donkers

by phone: 01876 580 333 or

by e-mail: laura.donkers@cothrom.net