A NEW era is dawning at a popular support centre in the town as women are given the chance to boost their confidence and gain new skills.

All Women's House (AWH) in West Avenue, Smallwood, will be holding an open day on Tuesday to show any interested women what new courses will be available from November.

Some of the choices on offer from next month will be world-wide cookery, aromatherapy, keyboard skills, English, dress-making, basic life skills and confidence building, weekly keep-fit sessions will also soon be available.

At the open day, from 11am-6pm, there will also be career advisers on hand to discuss what options are available to women.

A spokesman for AWH said: "These courses are open to any women who want to gain a new skill or to build up their confidence because of low self-esteem.

"Many find it hard to integrate into society because they have taken time off their careers to have children, or many are from ethnic minorities.

"The courses are free and are done in conjunction with tutors from NEW College.

"The aim of AWH is not simply to educate people but promote wellbeing and development in all women and their families."

As well as free education, AWH also offers women the chance to talk with an adviser and support worker who can help with any benefit difficulties they may have.

There is also a homework club for school children which runs for two hours, three times a week.

For more details on AWH, call Tanweer or Esther on 595135