Killybegs Women’s Group (KWG) in County Donegal was formed in 1997 and provides a broad range of support for women within the Killybegs and district area. Much of their work focuses on making women feel physically and mentally well to cope with a largely isolated and lonely life as a woman in a fishing community.

Before the group was established there were very few opportunities for courses or even just socialising in the community. The group has been working to rectify this and now offer an array of courses from computing through to the Alexander Technique as well as running regular social outings.

The Community Leadership Programme (CLP) has introduced them to new networks and helped them to realise their potential. As part of the CLP they visited Derry Well Women (DWW). They used the best practice visit to gain knowledge of women’s health training and to learn about cross-border activity. Killybegs Women’s Group and Derry Well Women have agreed to jointly deliver a health training programme and capacity building session regarding health issues. The CLP has helped them to develop a vision, focus on pertinent programmes and develop relevant and SMART objectives.

Group member Marie Boyle said: “The CLP has brought us back to life. It has given us something to aim for and something to get excited about.”