Lianne Kirkman Director of the Leamington based Esther project came to speak to Warwick Rotarians. Lianne set up the Esther Project as a CIC in 2023 after seeing the needs of women whilst running local mixed gender charity Helping Hands Community Project. Now she is bringing their services to Warwick and hopes to establish a “safe space and offices” opposite St Mary’s church.
Initially Lianne set up Helping Hands in Leamington with a café, shop, soup kitchen and drop-in centre for both men and women who were homeless, or who had issues with addiction or suffering trauma. This is now a charity and was given a Kings award in 2023. However, it was clear that not all women feel safe in a mixed gender environment and so the Esther Project was established.
They now have a property, Esther House, with 7 rooms where women can stay and get their lives back on track, finding permanent accommodation and assistance with their finances and emotional needs. There is a shop and women only hub safe space in Gloucester street where you can take “pre-loved “ goods for sale, and a partnership with Corner Cottage Bakery is about to be launched where some of the ladies can learn the trade.
Working with other organisations and local authorities it was clear that there is a need for women in Warwick to have a gender specific space as a “safe place” to receive advice and support in one place. Giving women “a Hand up rather than a Hand out” and they are also looking to locate a rural retreat space in Warwickshire to serve a wider area.
Their mission is “to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow, and realise her true potential. Committed to supporting women to overcome barriers caused by trauma, and social or economic disadvantage, enabling them to thrive and build fulfilling, independent lives.” Recognising they are Women of Worth.
To find out more visit their website: www.theestherproject.co.uk which tells you how you can help or get involved.
Thanking Lianne for her presentation President Jon Wassall expressed the clubs support and said that a donation would be made for their work
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