New security hub opens in Crewe aiming to increase women’s safety

By Ryan Parker 11th Sep 2023

Civic dignitaries, neighbouring businesses and volunteers attended the official opening of Alpha Omega Women Peace Security (WPS) Foundation on Crewe Business Park (Jan Roberts).
Civic dignitaries, neighbouring businesses and volunteers attended the official opening of Alpha Omega Women Peace Security (WPS) Foundation on Crewe Business Park (Jan Roberts).

An organisation promoting peace and security for women has unveiled its new security hub on Crewe Business Park - offering education, friendship and family-centred activities.

Civic dignitaries, neighbouring businesses and volunteers were welcomed to the official opening of the Alpha Omega Women Peace Security (WPS) Foundation office complex on Coppicemere Drive.

This new facility supports vulnerable women with free English classes, self-defence courses and counselling, as well as English and Maths tuition for children who have English as a second language.

Cheshire East Mayor, Rod Fletcher, Crewe Mayor, Dennis Straine-Francis, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer and His Majesty's Senior Coroner for Cheshire, Jacqueline Devonish, all attended the new WPS office official opening (Jan Roberts).

The WPS Foundation, has also secured Lottery funding to provide free and inclusive fitness sessions such as yoga, dance and Tabata high intensity interval training to support the physical and mental wellbeing of local women now using its services.

Attending, were Cheshire East Mayor, Rod Fletcher, Crewe Mayor, Dennis Straine-Francis, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer and His Majesty's Senior Coroner for Cheshire, Jacqueline Devonish.

All commended WPS on its initiatives including regular security meetings to increase safety for women out in society and in their own homes. 

WPS Foundation founder, Amaka Lawton, told Nub News: "We're a not-for-profit organisation that exists to educate and assist women in our local community to achieve peace and security.  

"We seek to protect them from systematic oppression, misogyny, and racism through practical measures such as English classes.

WPS Foundation founder, Amaka Lawton (Jan Roberts).

"Evidently, language barriers lead to isolation, inability to communicate, or report crimes to the police, as well as causing women to remain trapped in abusive relationships. 

"Our new security hub is already providing counselling and helping several women with their English. Education is proving a most powerful weapon in ensuring their safety." 

Founded in 2021, WPS is also behind a series of initiatives to prevent harm to women such as self-defence classes.

Three courses have taken place so far at a local school and another starts this month at the new Coppicemere Drive facility.

In Nantwich, WPS is in the process of recruiting Street Angels to act as Good Samaritans to vulnerable people making their way home from nights out this autumn and winter.

Facilities include a garden and children's play area (Jan Roberts).

Nantwich WPS Street Angels will hand out flip flops, water, blankets, and other necessities to young people worse for wear after a night out.

Recruitment takes place at Nantwich Methodist Church at 6.30pm on Thursday 14 September. All are welcome.

Amaka added: "Our whole aim is to promote peace and safety and with that comes harmony.

"As women we speak an international language, we have the same concerns for our personal safety as we walk alone and similar concerns for our children.  

"Our new facility is a safe space for women, allowing them to bond and create long-lasting friendships.

"The support is inclusive and diverse embracing all ethnicities."

The facility wants to be recognised as a warm and welcoming community where women can also enjoy cooking classes and pampering days.

There is a children's play area and pretty garden in a leafy part of the business park where spring and summer events are planned.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, who performed a ribbon cutting ceremony, added: "I was delighted to attend the opening of this fantastic new facility. 

"Alpha Omega Women Peace Security has come far in two short years, and I highly commend its work with local women and aims to increase safety in society ."  

WPS Foundation founder, Amaka Lawton, with Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer (Jan Roberts).

WPS has received support from various local businesses including Alpha Omega Securities in Crewe, which helped it get off the ground.  

Various fundraisers have been staged over the past two years, the most successful being a dinner at Rookery Hall last year.

The event returns to a new venue at Crewe Hall on Friday 1 December.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Crewe Wilko store to close this year after HMV rescue deal collapses.

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