Coming Soon: Women’s Afternoon at Fletcher Street Cottage

On International Women’s Day 2025, Fletcher Street Cottage proudly launched Women’s Space – a dedicated initiative supporting women in the Byron Shire who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, hardship or trauma.

Developed in response to a growing need identified through several 2023 service delivery pilots, Women’s Space aims to create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where women can access essential services and specialist support.

Now, the program is expanding to include the first women-only service ever delivered at Fletcher Street Cottage: a weekly Women’s Afternoon, providing private access to facilities and tailored support each week.

What Is Women’s Afternoon?

Launching soon, Women’s Afternoon will run every week from 1pm to 3pm, after Fletcher Street Cottage’s general services close at 12pm. During this time, women will have exclusive access to:

• Basic needs facilities including showers, laundry, meals and a quiet office space
• One-on-one support from Community Support Workers
• Flexible emergency relief such as food and fuel vouchers or crisis financial aid
• Onsite visits from trusted partners offering:
  • Housing support and tenancy assistance
  • Legal advice and outreach
  • Mental health and trauma-informed counselling
  • Financial counselling and crisis support

No referral is required. All women are welcome to attend and access support in a calm, private and compassionate environment.

Thoughtfully Designed, Community Led

Women’s Afternoon is supported by experienced staff, established partnerships and purpose-equipped facilities. Community outreach is already underway to connect with local services and ensure women know this space is available to them.

A midpoint review will help evaluate community engagement and guide improvements, with a final evaluation at the end of the 12-month pilot to measure outcomes and assess long-term funding opportunities.

By building on the strong foundation of Fletcher Street Cottage and supported by the governance and infrastructure of Byron Community Centre, Women’s Space is a cost-effective, high-impact response to a critical need in our community.

To learn more or access support, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au, call us on (02) 6685 7830, email fsc@byroncentre.com.au or drop in to 18 Fletcher, Byron Bay.