Wide range of women's services

The Peninsula Women's Health Centre will run a range of services this year, according to community development worker Ms Katherine Bradfield.

These will include a regular women's health clinic, alternate therapies, counselling services, group and community education, support, advocacy and access to information and resources on a wide range of women's health issues.

"Our aim is to work alongside and support women of all ages, backgrounds and cultures in a safe and supportive environment.

"While we do provide free to low cost services, the centre operates on limited funding and appreciates all donations that assist us to provide a range of women specific services that improve women and children's lives."

The women's health clinic is open at the centre on a Wednesday, three times per month, and is a project in partnership with the Northern Sydney Central Coast Health Service.

The clinic provides free and confidential services including pap smears, pregnancy testing and information, counselling on menopause, hormone replacement therapy, contraception, sexual difficulties and domestic violence among other women's health issues.

Appointments for the clinic are essential and can be made by calling 4320 3741.

Coast Care Counselling is made up of a group of counsellors providing affordable and readily accessible counselling services to those women in need.

The service is also available from the Peninsula Community Centre.

For more information, phone 4342 5905.

The centre is also committed to providing local women with access to low cost quality holistic care service including acupuncture and massage.

This month the Peninsula Women's Health Centre walking group recommenced its Friday morning fitness and social outing.

The group meet from 9am at the centre in McMasters Rd and walk until around 12noon on the chosen walk for the day.

Anyone interested in joining or trying out the group should contact the centre on 4342 5905.

The centre has begun a special meditation group who meet every Thursday from 1.45pm.

For a gold coin donation, women can be taught simple meditation techniques by facilitator Dayasagar Saraswati for beginners and experienced students.

A monthly coffee morning for women of all ages and cultural backgrounds has been planned for women who would like to get to know other women in the area.

The social get together is a great opportunity to meet other women if you are new to the area, feel isolated or would like to celebrate and share your culture with others.

Childcare facilities are not provided although children are welcome to come along under the mother's supervision.

The group will be held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12noon at the centre.

Another monthly group is designed to encourage women to "lean into wellness" promoting the idea that small incremental change in various areas of their life can and do make a difference to how they feel and behave.

Women 4 Women explores and reinforces ways to nurture oneself, building resilience in taking small steps towards wellness.

Each session includes some simple yoga and meditation practices and has a different focus topic each month such as wellness, happiness, letting go, motivation or goal setting to name a few.

New participants are encouraged to call ahead and express their interest in attending the next session which is at the cost of a gold coin donation.

The group meet from 10.30am to 1pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month with the exception of the next session which will be held on March 17.

The Peninsula Women's Book Club provides an opportunity for women to meet once a month and talk about books they have read and know they will be given the space to do this.

The group is also suitable for women who have difficulty finding a book that suits them where shared information can make book choices easier.

This group is for all women who want to enjoy a friendly, non-judgmental environment where they can explore their love of books.

The group meet at the centre every second Wednesday from 10am to 12noon for a gold coin donation.

A Happiness and Wellbeing group is for women who wish to experience a sense of joy and contentment more frequently in their day-to-day life by learning some practical ways to creating a happier and healthier life.

The group will meet on March 25 and April 1 from 10am to 12noon each session for a gold coin donation.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 4342 5905.

The centre has also planned a number of workshops over the coming months so keep an eye out for these in the coming editions of Peninsula News.

The Peninsula Women's Health Centre is located at 20a McMasters Rd, Woy Woy, and can be contacted on 4342 5905 or visit www.cccwhc.com.au for more information.

Newsletter, 9 Feb 2010 Katherine Bradfield, Peninsula Women's Health Centre