Swindon's woman's health centre faces fight for survival

The Swindon Well Woman Centre at the Health Hydro in Milton Road nearly closed six years ago when Swindon Council cut off its grant. Fundraising and financial support from the Community Fund has kept it afloat but this ends in March and the volunteers who manage the organisation are facing a major challenge in maintaining the centre's wide range of services, writes Marlene Wheeler, chair of the management committee.

The services offered by Swindon Well Woman Centre puts it at the heart of the community and meets the needs of a wide range of people. A number of groups use our rooms including Swindon Family Contact Centre who give a parent who does not live with a child the chance to meet in a supported environment and Secret's Out, a support group for those who have suffered abuse. Another is the Family Support Group for parents whose children are involved with drugs, run by Druglink.

We are keen to hear from new organisations looking for a place to meet. Within the business community the centre offers health screening for male and female employees. Volunteers and nurses set up Information Points on company premises to offer advice on health matters. Often they give talks to local groups about specific health issues and the work of the centre.

To meet the needs of women the centre offers three medical sessions with doctor and nurses in attendance on Mondays 5.30pm - 7.30pm and Wednesdays 12.30pm - 2.30pm and a nurse led session on Fridays 10am - 12noon. A free crčche is available at the Wednesday and Friday sessions.

Our information service is also open at these times offering leaflets and library books on health-related topics. Once a month a female solicitor is available to provide free legal advice to women on family law, whilst a Menopause Support Group meets once a month as well.

Volunteers play a critical role in the centre's work. They are supported by a training programme and some elect to develop their skills by taking a Basic Listening Skills Course. They then become support workers and offer a listening service at all three medical sessions. The volunteers receive ongoing training and support and the service offers women a chance to discuss non-medical problems for up to six one hour sessions.

The Well Woman Centre is also concerned about men's health. Last October we started Man@WWC on Thursdays 5.30pm to 7.30pm, a nurse-led medical session providing health checks and advice. The Listening Service is also available if men have non-medical problems they wish to discuss.

All the services are free and confidential and, with the exception of the legal advice, no appointments are needed. For more information call the administrator on 511064.

With the challenges before us to maintain vital community services to the people of Swindon and the district we would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the management committee to help it obtain funding to maintain this valuable community asset. Call the number above for details.