The Cork housing estates many had written off, and the women determined to change things

"Mothers in Hillview Drive and Batt Donegan Place say a community support scheme has given a lifeline to struggling families"

"The fortunes of two housing estates in North Cork long associated with deprivation and anti-social problems are being transformed by local women empowered by a community support scheme."

"For many, Hillview Drive and its sister estate Batt Donegan Place in Charleville are the kind of hard-scrabble neighbourhoods in which residents seem to be forever under the pressure of enormous social challenges."

Hillview Drive and Batt Donegan Place in Charleville have long been associated with deprivation and anti-social problems. Mothers in the estates say a community support scheme has provided a lifeline to struggling families. Local women empowered through the scheme are helping transform the fortunes of the neighbourhoods. The scheme supports residents facing major social challenges and reduces pressure on families. As women take on roles within the community, the estates begin to shift away from persistent hardship toward greater stability and support for those in need.

Read at Independent