As the Founder of SheInspires and an advocate for positive change, I’m constantly inspired by the incredible strength and resilience of the individuals and communities we work with. Our journey has been marked by a commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those who often remain unseen and unheard. Today, I want to shine a light on our community outreach projects, such as Taste of Bolton, the pivotal role of Orange Champions, and the remarkable connections we’ve nurtured in Bolton and beyond.
Taste of Bolton: A Connection Through Food
Food is more than sustenance; it’s a bridge that connects people. Taste of Bolton was a project that I hold close to my heart. Our mission was to reach out to isolated women facing poverty and the harsh realities of a cost-of-living crisis. We knew that we needed to provide them with more than just meals; we wanted to offer support, socialisation, and opportunities to learn new skills.
The heartwarming part of this project was the support we received from the Mayor of Bolton. The town hall’s banqueting suite became the backdrop for a beautiful celebration of different cultures through food. The donations from our book launch are helping vulnerable women and girls through hair & beauty training by Funding Futures, which is a remarkable step toward building self-esteem and improving mental health. It’s about reaching out to women who are often isolated, at risk, and hidden within their communities, offering them a lifeline to support and connection.
Orange Champions: The Heart of Our Work
The Orange Champions are the driving force behind SheInspires. These incredible individuals are more than advocates; they are the embodiment of change. One of them, Jenny Hyde, nominated SheInspires Foundation for the Aviva Community Fund award, unlocking a world of possibilities. Orange Champions have played a pivotal role in our projects, helping us connect and empower communities in new and innovative ways.
The Aviva Community Fund award, a £10,000 prize, will be instrumental in extending our reach. We’re using these funds to set up Orange Hubs, both online and in person, to support financial well-being in our communities. These hubs are safe spaces where individuals can come together to connect, learn, and access essential resources, taking steps toward a more secure and empowered world.
Shattering the Silence: An Extraordinary Gathering
A recent highlight was taking our #OrangeCampaign to the UK House of Lords thanks to our other dedicated #OrangeChampion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ragasudha Vinjamuri BCAa FRSA for approaching us to become an #OrangeChampion. Ragasudha has made significant contributions to the arts, culture, and heritage scene in the UK, she is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Sunderland in London and is the founder of the arts charity Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence. The event ran seamlessly, and kudos to Ragasudha for her outstanding work.
My presentation focused on #ShatteringTheSilence, highlighting how dance empowers survivors and supports their mental well-being. The event was heartwarming; we had conversations about #WeAreOrange and the crucial role of our #OrangeChampions.
The occasion was made even more poignant after winning the Aviva Broker UK award the day before. Surrounded by a community that passionately supports our cause, we celebrated this significant achievement once again in the UK House of Lords.
Our host, #BaronessFraserofCraigmaddie, was not only gracious but also genuinely passionate about our cause.
Building a Safer, More Empowered World
As I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with a profound sense of pride. The connections we’ve nurtured, the lives we’ve touched, and the communities we’ve strengthened are at the core of SheInspires. It’s not just an organization; it’s a movement, a movement that’s deeply personal for me.
Our path forward is clear. We are committed to connecting more communities and empowering those who need it most. Together, we will continue to build a safer, more empowered world, one step at a time.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Warmest regards,
Gulnaz Brennan