Background

In December 1999 a group of Women got together to put a bid forward for some funding for the Women of Preston Road. The bid was successful and a Women’s Development Worker was employed (Adele Clough), to put together some research to prove the need for a Women only space on Preston Road.

This project became known as WINNER which stands for Women Improving Now Not Ever Retreating.

Local Women got involved with the research carried out in busy locations around Preston Road. The results were overwhelming; Women were crying out for somewhere safe they could go to access Information, Education, Childcare and Social Activities.

Whilst the research was happening, Women were invited to come along to drop ins to socialise and make their views known. By January, Women were accessing WINNER regularly and were asking for activities and courses. Adele provided some Women’s support work training to volunteers and we were in business. Six months later a Project Manager was employed (Lisa Hilder) and this took the project forward very quickly. At this point we were established on the estate as a Women’s Project offering support and information to local Women.

It is the determination and dedication of Women in those early days, over coming many barriers and obstacles in order to provide a valuable resource for Women on Preston Road that has lead us to the beautiful Purple House we have now and all the wonderful Women that work with it and access its services.