Inspirational Derbyshire organisation supporting women and girls secures £89k funding for empowering workshops
A Derbyshire-based organisation supporting women and girls celebrated receiving the funding on bank holiday Monday.
Compassionate Voices, a Derbyshire-based organisation providing support to women and girls, has been awarded an impressive sum of £89,447 from The National Lottery Community Fund earlier this month.
The funding is set to help run women’s wellbeing and empowerment workshops The Power of YOU over the next two years.
Sharon Bull, Founder and Director of Compassionate Voices who runs the organisation alongside Julie Waring, said: “I cried when we found out.
"We applied in October and only found out in May, we had to wait with bated breath for months, which has been very stressful at times.
"But it's amazing and we are over the moon, because it means that we have got consistency for a couple of years, and we can deliver and help more women and girls.”
Compassionate Voices have been running since 2019 and in the last seven years the organisation has helped hundreds of women across Derbyshire and beyond – with some joining online sessions from as far as Hastings, Scotland or Somerset.
The Power of YOU is a programme of journaling workshops, which are uniquely designed to help women and girls share their experiences, while building self confidence and bonding with others in a supportive and safe community.
Women who attend the programme can also benefit from post-workshop activities, which feature a wide range of sessions, often run in collaboration with other organisations and experts – which among others include crafting with purpose, art journaling and personal safety sessions such as martial arts.
Sharon, who has an extensive experience as author, speaker and lifestyle coach, said: “These workshop can make a massive difference.
"It can really empower women and help them realise the qualities they've got.
"I went through 30 years struggling with my mental health but when I started journaling it really helped.
"I designed the workshop myself based on my experiences to help other women and the sessions are often the start of their journey.
"Most women and girls who come to the workshops, join post-workshop activities and we have a brilliant community.
"We are a very happy, growing bunch.”
You can find out more about the workshop at a dedicated Power of YOU webpage.