Access card project spreads the love
THE women’s community network, Access 2000 has been helping members to stay optimistic during the Covid lockdown by sending them hand-painted cards containing an inspiring poem and wild flower seeds for planting.
The ‘Seeds of Hope’ project was organised during the coronavirus closure to lift the spirits of women who engage with the organisation which is part of the National Collective of Community Women’s Networks (NCCWN), targeting women who are experiencing disadvantage.
It followed a pre- Christmas project which brought more than 50 women together in a relaxing and creative environment to make festive decorations which were then donated to Wexford Women’s Refuge.
‘Staying optimistic is one of the biggest challenges facing people during the lockdown and the staff were determined to continue the positive momentum and support women in whatever way possible’, said development worker Mercedes Hoad Moussa.
The Seeds of Hope project involved sending out beautiful cards individually painted and written by development workers Dagmar and containing flower seeds.
‘ The objective was to spread positivity, lift spirits and offer a reminder that there are better times ahead. The cards were sent to more than 75 women in the Wexford area’, she said.
‘ The feedback has been very positive and it has made us realise that even the smallest gesture of kindness can increase connectivity with others, which can directly impact loneliness and support women to stay positive in these challenging times.’
Mercedes said Access is hoping to secure funding through Wexford County Council to continue developing the ‘Seeds of Hope’ project during 2021.
Access also spread the love by hosting a coffee morning and flower arranging tutorial via Zoom last Friday morning, in preparation for Valentine’s Day on Sunday.
Access 2000 addresses a range of issues affecting women in the county, including isolation and inequality. It delivers needs-based community development programmes such as equality education, health and wellbeing activities and community education.
The staff - Marian, Dagmar and Mercedes - are available to chat and share ideas about campaigns and programmes which are requested and designed specifically by the women themselves. The website is on www.access2000wexford.com .
Mercedes said Covid has had a devastating impact on many of the women and is of great concern given the levels of anxiety that have been reported and documented in the NCCWN Covid-19 Pandemic Women’s Impact Survey.