Celebrating Success: KWC Represents the Bangor NRP at Department for Communities Capital Projects Celebration Event in Ballymena

Representatives from Kilcooley Women’s Centre had the privilege of attending the Department for Communities Capital Projects celebration event, held in the ECOS Centre in Ballymena. It was an afternoon of inspiration,  hosted by Minister for Communities NI, Gordon Lyons MLA, enabling connection, and  recognition for community organisations from across Northern Ireland who are making a real difference in their local areas via the Neighbourhood Renewal programme.

We were delighted to join fellow capital project recipients to showcase the incredible work happening in communities every day. For the team at KWC, it was a proud moment to stand alongside other grassroots organisations and share our own journey of transformation and community engagement here in Kilcooley.

Investing in Our Community’s Future

The event celebrated the completion of capital projects funded by the Department for Communities, and we were thrilled to have our own recent project recognised. Thanks to this vital funding, Kilcooley Women’s Centre has undergone a significant transformation that is already benefiting the women and families we serve.

Our capital project focused on two key areas: improving our ICT equipment and  transforming our training space. We recognised that in today’s digital world, access to modern technology is not a luxury but a necessity. Many of the women who come through our doors face digital exclusion, lacking the equipment or skills to access online services, seek employment, or connect with loved ones. Our upgraded ICT resources, featuring new computers,  is now bridging that gap. It provides a welcoming space where women can develop essential digital skills, search for jobs, complete online courses, or simply gain the confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world.

A Space Transformed

Alongside our technological upgrade, we have completely reimagined our Balloo 3a training space. What was once a  tired storage room  has been transformed into a flexible, modern, and inspiring training space. With capacity to continue to store essential equipment and facilitate our archive store we now have an improved layout, and enhanced facilities, with the reconfigured space now truly reflects the quality and ambition of the programmes we deliver via the DFC programme. It is a space where women feel valued, where learning is a pleasure, and where community can flourish in fit for purpose surroundings.

Since the renovation, we have  seen increased attendance at our training courses and a renewed sense of pride among our service users. When women walk into a space that has been clearly invested in, it sends a powerful message: you matter, your development matters, and this community believes in you.

Community Engagement at Our Heart

The Ballymena event also provided an opportunity to reflect on what truly drives our work: community engagement and to reconnect with cross community partners from a wide range of organisations across NI, who reflect our aims and objectives delivering digital, arts, employability, heritage and wellbeing programmes.   At KWC, we know that buildings and equipment are only part of the story. The real transformation happens through the relationships we build and the trust we earn. Our capital project has enhanced our ability to engage meaningfully with the women of Kilcooley and the wider community, providing a fit-for-purpose hub where they can gather, learn, support one another, and shape the future of their community.

Thank you to the team at Department for Communities CED South in Banbridge for their ongoing support and guidance and to the Minister Gordon Lyons for his ongoing investment in communities and local people.