Women’s centre which ‘saved thousands of lives’ in Yorkshire over 40 years announces shock closure
A women’s centre which supported thousands of women each year with their mental health has announced it has closed.
Well Women Centre, in Wakefield, is a charitable organisation which provided mental health and wellbeing services for women across the district.
Many NHS services including GPs, hospitals and mental health services would signpost women in need of counselling, therapy and wellbeing support to the Well Women Centre.
In a statement on its website, Well Women Centre said: “It is with a heavy heart we have to announce the closure of Well Women centre due to financial issues.
“As of now we will no longer be operating.
“We have loved being able to support the women of Wakefield for the last 40 years.
“Supporting and empowering women is still incredibly important to all staff and we are devastated that our centre has to close under these circumstances.”
Well Women Centre was founded in 1985 providing non medical services “for women, by women.”
Due to overwhelming demand in recent years, it had to close its waiting lists.
Women's rights campaigners have reacted to the news.
Sarah Cobham who runs Women's projects throughout Wakefield said: “Women, again, bearing the brunt of austerity and being punished for needing mental health support because of how society has failed them.
“This centre has literally saved the lives of thousands of women over the last 40 years.
“It’s not good enough.
“Why has this vital service not been rescued?”
Well Women Centre had two bases in Wakefield city centre which provided support for women from all walks of life including domestic violence survivors, women struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and those recovering from trauma.
In a statement on its site, Well Women Centre added: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported the centre over the past 40 years in any capacity. We are so grateful to have had this opportunity for as long as we have.
“We would like to thank our clients for all the hard work they have done. It has been a privilege working with you all and seeing your journey.
“Each staff member – counsellor, caseworker, administrator, volunteer – has loved working with the centre.
“It has been an incredibly special place to work and we will treasure the experiences we have had here.
“We have been advised that other services will contact any clients they can support.”
For more information on alternative services,Well Women have suggested people contact:
You can contact your GP, 111, or 999 in an emergency.