Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Supports Women’s Aid Initiative

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council joined forces with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s (SHSCT) promoting wellbeing team to support a recent Food Values programme for women supported by Women’s Aid Armagh Down (WAAD).

Women’s Aid, the lead agency in tackling domestic and sexual abuse, recruited women they support to take part in the four-week programme, which focused on wellbeing, connection and building positive relationships with food, by providing practical tips such as budget management and batch cooking using slow cookers.

To mark the completion of the programme, a festive celebration event was held at Dromantine Conference Centre on 4 December 2025, celebrating the strength of the women who completed the cooking course, learning to cook and eat well as they rebuild confidence.

Honouring Women’s Aid 16 Days of Action campaign, the Council worked in partnership with Dromantine and WAAD, organised the event, with transport provided for participants from the ELEOS Centre in Newry.

Participants took part in a guided nature connection walk, facilitated by Verve Network Health Trainer, Maurice Rooney who offered the women an opportunity to connect with nature, themselves and one another in a supportive and reflective environment.

This was followed by afternoon tea at the conference centre, before participants were presented with certificates of completion and a range of resources to help consolidate the learning from the programme, including a slow cooker each.

The initiative highlighted the value of partnership working in addressing health inequalities and supporting the wellbeing of women affected by domestic and sexual abuse, while creating safe, supportive spaces for connection, learning and celebration.