DERRY WELL WOMEN LIMITED

What DERRY WELL WOMEN LIMITED does

Derry Well Women Limited is a not-for-profit women's health and social care centre founded in 1988 and headquartered at 17 Queen Street, Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The organisation operates a community-led, self-referral model delivering more than 50 areas of support spanning cancer services, mental health and wellbeing, mother-and-child programmes, training, and clinical services such as podiatry and menopause clinics. Service delivery is in-person at the Queen Street centre, by telephone, and via Zoom, with structured enrolment cycles three times per year (April, September, January). The evidence-based portfolio includes proprietary programmes such as The Well Programme (a 36-hour, 10-week holistic behavioural medicine programme for women with cancer, developed in 1999), the Harmony Programme (post-conflict trauma support), Sing Tonicity (singing-based trauma therapy), and standardised CBT, mindfulness, sleep management, and self-esteem courses, with all counsellors BACP-registered and the organisation an organisational BACP member. Outcomes are measured using General Health Questionnaires, Becks and Rosenberg indices, and CORE assessments.

The business model is that of a commissioned UK third-sector charity rather than a commercial enterprise. All services are free to end users. Revenue is assembled from four primary streams: a contracted service agreement with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) covering approximately 2,500 women per year; grant funding from the National Lottery Charities Board (Cancer Connected Communities), the Community Relations Council (Harmony Programme), and the Victim & Survivors Service; voluntary donations and fundraising (£537k raised in 2023-2024); and earned training income (e.g. Edexcel Level 3 Paediatric First Aid). The organisation serves as lead partner in the multi-agency Cancer Connected Communities consortium alongside Action Cancer, Advice North West, Cancer Focus, Care for Cancer, and SWELL. In 2024-2025, Derry Well Women supported 3,648 women, children and babies, and in November 2024 the Cancer Connected Communities West initiative won the PENNA Award for 'Engaging and Championing the Public'.

Operationally the organisation is governed by a Management Committee chaired by Phil Mahon, with Rhonda Murphy as Manager, and runs with a core counselling team of 14 plus programme coordinators, finance and creche staff. Recent strategic activity includes the January 2026 launch of an Integrated Menopause Hub Project with Queen's University Belfast to inform a Women's Health Strategy for Northern Ireland, a 2024-2025 wave of new programme launches spanning wellness, Long Covid, and young women's mental health, and ongoing competitive tendering for counsellor and facilitator capacity through 2026.

Name

DERRY WELL WOMEN LIMITED

Legal name

Derry Well Woman

Website

https://derrywellwoman.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Derry Well Women is a not-for-profit women's health and social care centre in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, founded in 1988 and contracted with the Western Health and Social Care Trust to deliver free counselling, cancer support, mental health, and mother-and-child services to approximately 3,648 women, children and babies annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Women's Community Health and Social Care Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Social Assistance (624)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Primary Care for Underserved Populations (e.g., migrant, homeless, refugee clinics) (HLAFAGAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Maternal Mental Health Telehealth (perinatal anxiety/depression, support programs) (HLALAHAH)

Keywords

• Women's health services
• Cancer support services
• Mental health counselling
• Community health programs
• Mother and child support

Headquarters

HQ city

Londonderry

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The organisation raised £537k in funds and donations in 2023-2024. Donations are received from the public and various funding sources to support operations.
2. Contracted Services with WHSCT: Contracted with Western Health and Social Care Trust to provide health and social care services to women. Services provided to approximately 2,500 women throughout the year under this contract.
3. Grant Funding: Funding received from various bodies including National Lottery Charities Board (Cancer Connected Communities), Community Relations Council (Harmony Programme), and Victim & Survivors Service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Derry Well Women is a not-for-profit centre offering health and social care services to women of all ages in Derry/Londonderry and the surrounding North West area. It delivers a portfolio of more than 50 areas of support covering cancer services (including The Well Programme, complementary therapies and cancer support groups), mental health and wellbeing programmes (counselling, CBT, mindfulness, Harmony Programme for post-conflict trauma), mother and child services (antenatal classes, breastfeeding support, baby massage), clinics (podiatry, menopause), and accredited training (Paediatric First Aid). Services are delivered in person at the Queen Street centre, by telephone, or via Zoom, and are contracted with the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Product overview

Derry Well Women is a not-for-profit health and social care centre offering services to women of all ages in Derry/Londonderry. The organisation provides a comprehensive portfolio of services structured around several core areas: Cancer Services (including The Well Programme, Complementary Therapies, Cancer Support Group, and Cancer Connected Communities partnership); Mental Health and Wellbeing (including Counselling, Harmony Programme, Mindfulness, CBT programmes, yoga, breathwork, and TRANSFORM); Supporting Mothers and Children (including antenatal classes, baby massage, breastfeeding support, and young parents programmes); and Training services. The organisation operates from a holistic person-centred approach, offering both one-to-one counselling and group programmes. Services are delivered through qualified staff using evidence-based programmes and are contracted with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT). The portfolio includes approximately 50 areas of support spanning cancer care, mental health, parenting, menopause, and general wellness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cancer Connected Communities: A partnership initiative led by Derry Well Women with Action Cancer, Advice North West, Cancer Focus, Care for Cancer and SWELL, dedicated to supporting people affected by cancer across the Western Health Social Care Trust area.
• Harmony Programme
• The Well Programme

Products and services

• The Well Programme A 10-week, 36-hour holistic behavioural medicine programme designed by Derry Well Woman for women who have had a cancer diagnosis, covering physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health dimensions.
• Cancer Connected Communities A partnership-led initiative supporting people affected by cancer across the Western Health and Social Care Trust area, delivered by Derry Well Women with Action Cancer, Advice North West, Cancer Focus, Care for Cancer and SWELL.
• Cancer Services Comprehensive cancer support for women living with cancer, including cancer counselling, fortnightly cancer support group, complementary therapy programmes, The Well Programme and a Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme.
• Complementary Therapies for Cancer Packages of complementary therapies for women living with a cancer diagnosis, including light effleurage massage, reflexology, therapeutic touch, Indian head massage and facial massages, available pre- and post-treatment.
• Cancer Support Group Fortnightly support group for women living with a cancer diagnosis, meeting on Thursday mornings from 11.00am-1.00pm, supported by a qualified facilitator.
• Counselling Service Confidential one-to-one counselling for women in the North West provided by a team of 14 qualified counsellors, working from a person-centred perspective and integrating humanistic therapies, compliant with BACP/IACP guidelines.
• Harmony Programme A post-conflict trauma support programme providing counselling, listening ear, mindfulness, Sing Tonicity and CBT to help women address issues from the Northern Ireland conflict and develop self-esteem and confidence.
• Victims of the Troubles Counselling Specialised one-to-one counselling for women who have been victims/survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles, delivered as part of the Harmony Programme.
• Child and Pregnancy Loss Counselling One-to-one counselling service for women who have experienced child or pregnancy loss, provided by trained counsellors.
• Menopause Clinic and CBT Programme Monthly menopause clinic by appointment for women going through menopause, plus a Menopause CBT Programme facilitated by Dr Sandra McNeill.
• Podiatry Clinic Monthly podiatry appointments providing foot care advice and treatment to prevent discomfort and further damage.
• Endometriosis Support Group Monthly support group for women with endometriosis, meeting on the last Tuesday of the month, enabling patients to share experiences and empower women with the condition.
• Breast Feeding Support Group Weekly group on Thursday mornings for women who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, facilitated by a Health Visitor from the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
• Antenatal Classes A 3-week programme facilitated by a district midwife covering labour, pain relief, breastfeeding and baby bath. Open to all pregnant women 32 weeks and over and their partner; funded and free for participants.
• Baby Massage A 4-week course for parents and babies 4 weeks to 6 months, teaching baby massage techniques that aid digestion, relieve colic, ease tension and regulate breathing.
• Baby Reflexology A 4-week course for parents and babies 4 weeks and older, teaching gentle reflexology techniques to improve infant well-being, sleep patterns and digestion.
• Stay and Play Programme A 4-week programme providing opportunities for parents, carers and grandparents to spend quality time with children, meet other parents and interact in a safe environment.
• Mother and Baby Swim A 6-week programme for babies aged 12 weeks to 18 months held at Foyle Arena, supporting water confidence through a fun, calm and safe environment.
• Flourish Programme for Young Mums A 6-week wellbeing programme for young mothers aged 18-35 years offering real conversations, gentle movement, mindfulness and community support through the highs and lows of motherhood.
• Minding Mammy Mental Health Programme A 6-week course for mothers with children under the age of five covering topics such as stress, anxiety, relaxation methods, causes of low mood and tips on how to deal with them.
• CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme An 8-week course for women with difficulty with stress, anxiety or depression, introducing CBT techniques to challenge negative thinking and improve self-esteem and mood.
• Coping with Depression and Anxiety Programme A 6-week programme exploring depression and anxiety, their causes and treatments, talk therapies such as CBT and medication, self-awareness and self-care, and lifestyle changes to improve mental health.
• TRANSFORM Programme A course equipping participants with psychological tools and techniques to overcome overthinking, anxiety, stress and depression by addressing problems at the core through understanding the nature of thoughts and how the mind works.
• Mindfulness Classes An 8-week programme teaching mindfulness practices for stress management and overall wellness, becoming more fully aware of the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or projecting into the future.
• Self Esteem Programme An 8-week programme encouraging women to reflect on their beliefs and attitudes about themselves and their abilities, with objectives to help individuals become independent, self-directive and fully accountable.
• Actions for Happiness CBT Programme An 8-week programme based on ten keys to happier living that teaches women CBT techniques to practise in everyday life, covering activity, mindfulness, goal setting, anxiety, confidence, assertiveness training and changing habits.
• Bright Minds - Bold Hearts Programme An emotional health programme specifically designed for young women aged 18-35 years.
• Sweet Dreams Sleep Management Programme An 8-week comprehensive course on the importance of sleep for mental and physical wellbeing, covering scientific research on sleep and psychological and practical techniques for managing factors that negatively impact sleep patterns.
• Breathwork Breathing exercises and techniques for stress management and overall wellness.
• Sound Bath Meditation Sound healing therapy using instruments to improve physical health and emotional well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and lead to deep relaxation.
• Pilates Physical exercise programme focusing on core strength, flexibility and overall wellness.
• Restorative Yoga Gentle yoga practice with supported stretches held for extended periods to promote relaxation and healing.
• Sing Tonicity An innovative trauma therapy approach that uses singing to help people connect with feelings, find expression and develop confidence in a non-threatening way.
• Creative Wellness Programme A programme exploring the connection between creativity and mental wellness through guided activities and meaningful discussions focusing on resilience, self-care and personal growth.
• Chronic Illness Management (Long Covid) Programme A 6-week restorative yoga programme delivered via Zoom for people living with fatigue and Long Covid, teaching breathing techniques, gentle stretches and nervous system regulation.
• Long Covid Exercise Programme A restorative yoga class specifically designed for Long Covid recovery, including gentle breath awareness, strengthening of the diaphragm muscle and stretches for affected muscles.
• Young at Heart - Older Women's Programme An 8-week health club for women aged 60+ to 90 years meeting weekly, addressing issues of concern for aging including home safety, loneliness, exercise, healthy diet, medicine management and maintaining a healthy mind.
• Paediatric First Aid Training Edexcel Level 3 Award designed for people caring for children, covering managing paediatric illness and injury and paediatric emergency first aid.
• Yoga Programme An 8-week yoga programme offering benefits including better flexibility and posture, stress relief, improved sleeping, improved immunity and increased energy.
• One Day Self Care Programmes Introductory one-day programmes for women living with cancer to experience relaxation techniques, complementary therapies, practical tips and connect with support services.
• Creche (On-site Childcare) On-site creche facility enabling mothers to attend the centre's programmes and services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Following participation on The Well Programme for women living with cancer, their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing had significantly improved
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDerry Well Women is contracted with the WHSCT to provide health and social care services to women throughout the year. The WHSCT funds and partners on various programmes including cancer services and counselling.
• Cancer Connected Communities Partners (Action Cancer, Advice North West, Cancer Focus, Care for Cancer, SWELL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA partnership led by Derry Well Women with Action Cancer, Advice North West, Cancer Focus, Care for Cancer and SWELL dedicated to supporting people affected by cancer across the WHSCT area. Funded by the National Lottery Charities Board.
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDerry Well Women is an organisational member of BACP and all their counsellors are individual members. The counselling service complies with BACP/IACP guidelines.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Mind: UK-wide mental health charity providing advice, support and resources. Comparable as a mental health service provider, though at a national scale with different delivery model rather than direct in-person centre-based services.
• Wellbeing of Women: UK-wide women's health charity funding research and education across pregnancy, gynaecological cancers, and menstrual health. Comparable as a women's health charity focused on health outcomes, though operating at a national scale rather than regional service delivery.
• Macmillan Cancer Support: UK-wide cancer support charity providing information, financial support, and healthcare professional services. Comparable as a cancer support organization serving similar beneficiaries with counselling and wellness programmes, though at national scale.

Direct peers

• Victim Support NI: Northern Ireland charity supporting victims of crime including those affected by the Troubles. Comparable as a NI victim/survivor support organization with overlapping counselling services and similar funding relationships including Victim & Survivors Service.
• Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland federation providing support and services for women affected by domestic abuse. Comparable as a women's social services organization in NI offering counselling and trauma support to women, with similar funder base.
• Maggie's Centres: UK charity operating cancer support centres providing free emotional, practical and psychological support to people with cancer. Comparable as a cancer support centre operator delivering in-person, evidence-based programmes including The Well Programme-style holistic support.
• Action Cancer: Northern Ireland-based cancer charity that partners with Derry Well Women on the Cancer Connected Communities initiative. Comparable as a regional NI cancer support and prevention charity serving women and the wider community with similar service lines.
• Cancer Focus Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland cancer charity that is a partner in the Cancer Connected Communities initiative led by Derry Well Women. Comparable as a regional NI cancer support charity offering similar therapeutic and support services.
• Nexus NI: Northern Ireland charity providing counselling and support for survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Comparable as a NI-based women's counselling charity serving trauma and abuse survivors with similar grant-funded service model.

Emerging players

• The Eve Appeal: UK charity funding research and raising awareness of gynaecological cancers. Comparable as a women's health charity with overlapping cancer focus, though primarily research-focused rather than a direct service provider.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/derry-well-women-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DERRY WELL WOMEN LIMITED