We’re absolutely thrilled to share that last night, at the BBC Radio Make a Difference Awards, our Women’s Community was announced as the winner in the Community Group category!
Earlier this year, we shared the exciting news that our Women’s Community had been nominated for the award by one of our residents currently supported by the project. To even be nominated was an honour, but to be recognised by someone within the community itself makes it all the more meaningful.
The resident told BBC Norfolk: “I was at my lowest, going through my divorce, and didn’t know what to do or where to go. Several people I know sent me the advert to apply for the pilot for a ‘Women’s Only Community’. I emailed them and got a call from Cecile within a day — and a few days later, a call from Jo. They listened to my story and accepted me for the first pilot. I cried.”
The Women’s Community is a one-year pilot project supporting nine women as they recover from homelessness, sexual violence and domestic abuse. The programme offers holistic therapies, creative practices and coaching – empowering each woman to take steps toward a life that is authentic, secure and fulfilling.
Our CEO, Cecile Roberts, Community Development Manager Jo Andrews, and Therapeutic Practitioners Emma Kerry and Lynn Ambrose were all in attendance at the awards ceremony, held at Norwich Castle.
Cecile Roberts shares: “To receive an award for a project that has been co-produced by women who have experienced and sexual violence was a very proud moment for me. Looking around at my colleagues when we won and seeing their faces was just brilliant. We’re going to be sharing the learning from this project across the UK and internationally so that more women can start to rebuild their lives and their futures.”
To be recognised for this work is an honour, and to be chosen as the winner from among hundreds of nominations is truly overwhelming. We’re so proud to celebrate a project that is making a real and lasting impact on women’s lives.
We’ll be re-opening referrals for our Women’s Project in January. Find out more about the project here.