A WOMEN’S centre which offers counselling, advice and training courses could be opened in Ramsbottom.

Joanna Shea, founder of Graceful Oaks, is looking for a base in the town to open the facility, which will be largely run by volunteers.

Her aim is to provide free creative therapy and support for local women to help them deal with life’s difficulties.

Mrs Shea, aged 29, from Edenfield, said: “I went to a meeting of Ramsbottom Business Group last Thursday and spoke to them about what I want to do. I’m hoping they can help me find a base for the centre. I have no funding at all so I’m relying on other people until I can get my name out there.

“When I finished my degree I couldn’t decide what to do next. Then I realised I wanted to do something like creative writing therapy.

“Using my writing to help others seemed worthwhile, so I started looking into it and the idea for the women’s centre grew from there.

“I hope to create a place where women can come with any problem they have and if we can’t help them we will show them to people who can. Domestic violence is one of the first things people think of when they think of a women’s centre but we don’t just want it to be about that, although I’m hoping to work with the Women’s Housing Action Group.”

Mrs Shea, pictured, volunteers at a women’s centre in Accrington where she is developing her skills and ideas to bring them to Ramsbottom.

She is also trying to gather background information and statistics by carrying out surveys in order to be able to apply for funding.

Women attending the centre will be offered job and computer training, help with CVs, and self-confidence boosting programmes. Mrs Shea hopes to eventually employ a small number of counsellors and trainers but for now she is relying on volunteers to come forward.

Anyone interested or would like to help can e-mail gracefuloaks@live.co.uk