Category: Charity

A Leamington group that supports vulnerable women in the community is appealing for the public to help it keep pace with increased demands on its services now its safe house is full.

The Esther Project, a gender-specific organisation supporting those who have experienced trauma and adversity, says it needs regular donations following the arrival of three new women to its seven-bed supported living accommodation.

The initiative was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 – her mission, to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions for women facing mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison, or experiencing homelessness.

In December they also opened their doors to a new pre-loved shop and community hub, incorporating a workspace and counselling room, in Gloucester Street.

In 2025, The Esther Project supported over 70 women across Warwickshire. Its weekly drop-in saw 343 visits, offering meals, connection, and practical support, while 160 counselling sessions were delivered to help women process trauma and rebuild confidence.

Now, as three more women begin their recovery journey in Esther House, they are appealing to local people to consider becoming regular givers to help fund the products and services that make rebuilding possible. That means food, home essentials, emotional support, and access to counselling – from day one.

Lianne Kirkman said: “When a woman arrives with us, she’s often starting from scratch – emotionally, practically and financially. What she needs most is stability. A bed, a warm meal, someone to talk to, and the reassurance that support won’t disappear overnight.”

“That’s why regular giving is so important to us. It allows us to say ‘yes’ when a woman needs us – not just today, but for the weeks and months ahead as she rebuilds her life.

“With your help today we can cover the immediate support these women so desperately need – and continue showing up for them in the weeks and months ahead. You’ll receive monthly updates on their time with us and how your gift is making a real difference to their lives.”

Regular donations help fund:

• Safe accommodation and essential items
• Weekly meals and support at the drop-in
• Access to counselling and emotional support
• Opportunities to rebuild confidence through community and activities

The Esther Project is encouraging local residents to sign up as monthly supporters, to help ensure that no woman is turned away and to fund the essentials that make rebuilding possible. That means food, home essentials, emotional support, and access to counselling – from day one. Sign up for a regular monthly donation HERE.

Lianne added: “Each woman’s journey is different, but consistent support is what enables lasting change. This isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about walking alongside women as they find their footing again – and that takes time, care and community. We simply cannot do it without the generosity of our local supporters. This isn’t about a big one-off donation, it’s about steady, reliable support – at a time when they need it most.”

Women can self-refer themselves to the hub via the link HERE.

Why Does The Esther Project Exist?

Women’s centres matter because the challenges many women face are deeply shaped by gender-specific experiences. Trauma, abuse, exploitation and instability often occur in contexts where mixed-gender environments can feel unsafe or triggering. Dedicated women-only spaces offer safety, dignity and understanding—creating an environment where women feel able to open up, rebuild trust, and access support without fear. This gender-informed approach allows for holistic, trauma-aware services that meet women where they are and help them move toward stability, confidence, and independence.

While women are often less visible on the streets rough sleeping, they actually make up 60% of those who are homeless and in temporary accommodation. In the last 10 years, the number of women in England who are homeless has increased by 88%. The evidence from the latest census, conducted across 41 local authorities, estimates there may be up to nine times as many women rough sleeping across England than the government’s annual rough sleeping snapshot suggests.

Globally, women are disproportionately affected by poverty, discrimination, inter-personal violence and exploitation. Women have fewer economic assets than men and limited participation in influencing economic and social policies. Women also perform the bulk of childcare and household work and have less access to education and economic opportunities than men in their societies (UN Women, n.d.). Despite some important increases in women’s equality in the 20th Century it is still the case that women in Britain are likely to:

• Earn less money than men
  • Undertake certain kinds of paid work (e.g. lower paid, personal services)
  • Enjoy less progression at work
  • Have less freedom and leisure than men
  • Spend more time looking after people

For some women and girls these structural factors, combined with gendered life experiences, such as being a victim of violence, lead to extremely difficult lives. Women may be dealing with multiple issues at any one time, such as:

• Homelessness
  • Involvement in prostitution or sexual exploitation
  • Mental health problems
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug and alcohol problems
  • Contact with the criminal justice system

Dress for fundraising success is the mission behind a charity event hosted by a Leamington clothing boutique later this month.

Revolve, in Warwick Street, has teamed up with Solihull St Alphege Rotary Club to host a Fashion Show in support of two local charities – Marie Curie Hospice and Help Harry Help Others.

The event, on April 22^nd, takes place at Robin Hood Golf Club on St Bernards Road, Solihull, and will be joined by the Mayor Annette Mackenzie.

Gurdip Chamba, President of Solihull St Alphege Rotary Club, said: “Our upcoming fashion show promises to be a truly special occasion – an afternoon where style, community spirit, and compassion come together for a meaningful cause. As a Rotary club, service is at the heart of everything we do, and this event reflects our commitment to making a tangible difference locally while bringing people together in an enjoyable and uplifting way.

“This is far more than a fashion show. It is an opportunity for our community to gather, connect, and share in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Guests will be treated to a delightful showcase of ladies’ fashion, celebrating elegance, creativity, and confidence.”

Help Harry Help Others was established by the late Harry Moseley whilst battling an inoperable brain tumour. He was inspired to make a difference to all people with brain cancer when a friend of his who also had a brain tumour became very ill.

Within the space of just over two years Harry had organised and attended nearly 100 events to raise money for and awareness of brain cancer. He touched the hearts of the nation with his efforts and helped change the lives of everyone he met.

The charity’s support for the cancer community includes a Drop-in Cancer Support Centre in Birmingham with access to counselling services, workshops, activities and support groups.

Gurdip added: “Both organisations provide vital care, comfort, and support to individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging times. By attending or supporting this event, guests are directly contributing to services that bring dignity, hope, and compassion to those who need it most.

“We firmly believe that fundraising should be both meaningful and enjoyable. This evening is designed to strike that balance – offering a warm, friendly environment where people can have fun while knowing their participation is making a real difference. Every ticket purchased, every raffle entry, and every show of support helps us extend care and kindness within our community.

Tickets for the event, which also includes a cream tea, cost £20 and are available by contacting: mariapulley@aol.com or calling 07799 431573 or revolveleamingtonspa@hotmail.co.uk

For more information about Solihull St Alphege Rotary Club visit HERE.

For more information about Help Harry Help Others visit HERE.

Plucky female fundraisers across the region are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto a ‘dating scene’ with a difference!

More than 30 women, aged between 18 and 80 will stand in front of the camera striking a series of poses for a ‘sassy and sophisticated’ charity calendar – in aid of a host of nominated local and national charities.

And among those taking part is a familiar face on local and national screens, former TV newsreader Suzanne Virdee.

Behind the fun initiative is Ladies First Professional Development Network – a national networking group which organises events and awards for inspirational female achievers across the UK.

The West Midlands-based organisation, headed up for the last 10 years by Tracey McAtamney, is proudly based on three principles referred to as the three I’s – to Inspire, to Inform and to Introduce.

Tracey said: “As women, many of us struggle with confidence and with feeling comfortable in our own skin. Too often, we are dissatisfied with how we look and measure ourselves against unrealistic expectations.

“I turn 60 this year and people frequently ask how I plan to celebrate. For me, this milestone is not about a party – it is about becoming the best version of myself, both physically and mentally, and encouraging other women to do the same.

“Every woman featured in this calendar has a personal story. They have experienced loss, emotional trauma, divorce, illness, the mental and physical demands of the menopause, and the responsibility of caring for others. These experiences shape us, challenge us and ultimately define our strength.

She added: “Each photo represents a unique story and serves as a celebration of resilience, individuality and everything that makes a woman extraordinary.

“My hope is that participating in this project – standing in front of the camera, will build confidence and self-esteem. At the same time, it shines a light on issues women face and raises much-needed funds for the charities who support us throughout our lives.”

Likely the most recognised of those supporting the calendar project is Suzanne Virdee, an award-winning TV news anchor and freelance journalist who has presented the ITV National News, ITV News London, Channel 5 News and BBC Breakfast, as well as reporting for BBC Radio 4. She’s best known in the Midlands for co-presenting the 6.30pm BBC regional news programme Midlands Today alongside Nick Owen for 11 years.

Over her career she’s also been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism. And as a published author of A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome and the best-selling A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous, she empowers young girls with advice on navigating the difficult teenage years.

Suzanne’s chosen charity for the calendar is WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society), based in Birmingham.

She said: “When I was asked to be part of this project I absolutely had to say ‘yes.’ I am passionate about helping to empower all women to flourish in every area of their lives and this is a brilliant and fun way to do it.

“I’m really excited to meet and make friends with all the women involved in making this calendar. Even more than that I’m thrilled to be able to shine a light on the different issues that stop women reaching their full potential and am delighted to be raising money to do something about it!”

Working behind the scenes alongside Tracey to pull the project together, are the Calendar Girls team Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR, Jane Collier of Visually Virtual Photography and Bianca Rodrigues-Perry of Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR.

Meanwhile, all the featured ladies will gather for photoshoot days at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Leamington in the spring ahead of the calendar’s grand reveal at a stylish red carpet screening event at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre later in the year.

Some of the charities set to benefit include Surviving Bereavement Foundation, which delivers bereavement cafes across the area, as well as: Molly Ollys; Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind; Prostate Cancer UK; The Giles Trust; The Esther Project; Teenage Cancer Trust; Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull; Arrive Alive; The Brain Tumour Charity; Netball Aid; Shakespeare Soroptimists; The Luca Foundation; A Child’s Heart; Anthony Nolan Trust; Safeline; Women’s Aid; The Katie Piper Foundation; Birmingham Hospice; The Friendship Project; RSPCA Coventry & District Branch; The Ruth Strauss Foundation; SAM; New Testament Church of God Foodbank.

Just some of the businesses represented include: Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva of the Rep Theatre; Suzanne Draper and Tara Robinson of Mallory Court; Alsters Kelley Solicitors; Jamieson Christie Wealth Management; Sue Cressman of Nailcote Hall Hotel & Golf Club; Debbie Hickey of Shipston Jewellers; Elinor Perry of Pentlands Accountants; Paola Spiga of Glam & Glow Beauty Lab; Kirsty Leahy of KLP; Siobhan Rowlands of St James Place and mother and daughter pairings of Ruth and Gillian Bridges of J Roberts SPV Ltd; Pauline Edden and Jo Quigley; and Isabella Moore and Sophie Howe of The Olderpreneur Alliance and Comtec respectively.

Also looking forward to striking a pose is retired Coventry MP Colleen Fletcher OBE and Pat Hemmings, wife of former Drifters star Roy. Joining them are the youngest calendar girls, twins Stacey and Tracey William.

Sponsors interested in getting involved are invited to contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

Ladies First holds monthly meetings which hear from inspirational speakers, provide informative business skills workshops and make new introductions.

The group welcomes members and drop-in guests and is an inclusive network involving women of all backgrounds and cultures regardless of what stage they are at in their business life or career, the only requirement being that you have aspirations and the desire to help other women!

More information can be found HERE.