Voices Within and Beyond

We’re really pleased to be starting Voices Within and Beyond, a new nine-month project from When Women Gather, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

The project has grown from conversations with women and girls across Nottingham and Mansfield. Through consultation with Nottingham Women’s Centre, Band of Sisters and women’s groups in Bulwell, Mansfield and The Meadows, we heard clearly that women wanted more spaces to come together, be creative, build confidence, connect with others and feel heard.

That is what this project is about.

Over the coming months, women and girls will be able to take part in a wide range of activities including singing, drumming, dance, visual arts, open mic sessions, talks, film screenings, listening circles and mentoring.

There will be space to try something new, meet other women, share ideas, build confidence and take part in ways that feel comfortable. Some women may come for the creativity, some for the connection, and some simply because they want to be around other women in a welcoming space.

The project will also be shaped by the women taking part. Participants will be invited to share ideas, help influence the sessions, support one another and get involved in planning the celebration events that will happen across the project.

For us, that part is really important. We want the project to grow with the women involved, not just be something that is delivered to them.

At the end of each part of the programme, we’ll come together for community celebration events where women can share performances, creative work, stories and whatever has come out of the sessions.

We’re looking forward to seeing the project develop over the next nine months, meeting more women along the way and creating spaces where women can connect, create and be part of something together.

We’ll be sharing more about the sessions, venues and how to get involved very soon.