Who we are

Shankill Shared Women's Centre is a £7.15 million purpose-built shared space for women and their families based at the interface area on Lanark Way.

The aim of this building is to create a welcoming, safe, and accessible shared space for women from all communities.

"A space to educate, empower and enhance the well-being of women and their families."

Our Building

This building opened in June 2024, marking a new chapter through the partnership of Shankill Women’s Centre and Clonard Women’s Group.

The creation of this building was led by Belfast City Council, and funded by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The PEACE IV Programme aims to create a more cohesive society through an increased provision of shared spaces and services.

The Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland provided match funding for the project.

To learn more about SEUPB, click here to visit their website.

Values & Principles

Shankill Shared Women's Centre is underpinned by a set of values and principles that support it’s role in championing women:

Good Relations:

We will promote Good Relations and challenge sectarianism/racism in all aspects of our work and our relationships with others.

Partnership:

We will work collaboratively with other agencies, both locally and in the wider sphere, in order to progress our aims

Quality Assurance:

We will develop our organisation to the highest standards and work towards long-term sustainability

Local involvement:

We will continue to involve local women in the management and staffing of our Centre and will respond appropriately to community need

Lesley-Anne Kinnon, Funding and DevelopmentManager at the Feel Good February event 2023

Our History

Shankill Women’s Centre formed in 1987, is located in a disadvantaged ward in North Belfast. It arose because of an expressed local need for women specific education, support and training.

Originally located in ''The Hummingbird'' on the Shankill Road, the Centre formed the first community/statutory partnership of its kind through its move to the Shankill Centre with the North and West Health and Social Services Trust.

After many years at the Shankill Centre, the organisation resides in Shankill Shared Women's Centre since June 2024.