Women from across the Slieve Gullion and Newry District Electoral Areas (DEAs) have taken part in a series of free, hands-on car safety events aimed at building confidence and practical skills behind the wheel.
The “EmpowerHER Auto Nights,” organised by the DEAs in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and Road Safe NI, were held throughout March and April at Lissummon GAA Club, Three Ways Newry, Safe Mart Camlough, Buttercrane Newry and The Welcome Inn, Forkhill.
The initiative was designed to provide women with the knowledge and confidence to better understand their vehicles and stay safe on the roads.
Participants received guidance on daily car safety checks, essential road safety advice, basic vehicle maintenance and how to interpret dashboard warning lights. The PSNI also offered advice to women on what to do in the event of a breakdown and how to stay safe.
All events were fully booked and created a supportive, welcoming environment where participants could ask questions, gain practical skills and feel more in control of their driving experience. Attendees also enjoyed refreshments and received complimentary goodie bags.
Slieve Gullion DEA Forum Chairperson, Councillor Aine Quinn, said it was particularly important events like EmpowerHER Auto Nights were delivered in rural areas like Lissummon, Forkhill and Camlough, where access to services and support can often be more limited.
“Bringing this type of practical, confidence-building initiative directly into local communities helped ensure that more women could benefit without the barrier of travelling long distances. It was encouraging to see strong local participation and engagement at all the events,” she added.
Newry DEA Forum Chairperson, Councillor Aidan Mathers, described the EmpowerHER Auto Nights as a “fantastic initiative” that supported women to become more confident and informed drivers.
He added: “By providing practical, easy-to-understand advice in a relaxed setting, it helped remove some of the uncertainty around vehicle maintenance and road safety. It was great to see such positive engagement from those who attended.”
