Supporting Women to Connect, Thrive, and Lead: Our Impact Through the ReachHer Project

At the Tudwick Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives that create meaningful, lasting change within communities. Our £2,000 grant to the ReachHer Project, delivered between May 2025 and January 2026, is a powerful example of how targeted funding can transform lives.

ReachHer was designed to support women facing social isolation, financial hardship, and emotional challenges. Through a six-week programme and an experience week, the project engaged 35 women from diverse backgrounds, including migrants, refugees, single mothers, and women experiencing financial instability. Many were accessing ReachHer activities for the very first time.

What stood out most was the project’s ability to foster genuine connection. Participants consistently described ReachHer as a safe, welcoming space where they felt heard, valued, and supported. Friendships formed during the programme have continued beyond the sessions, reducing isolation and strengthening peer support networks within the community.

The programme also delivered practical outcomes. Women developed budgeting, cooking, and nutrition skills through hands-on, multicultural cooking sessions, helping them make positive changes at home for themselves and their families. Beyond skills, many participants experienced increased confidence, improved emotional wellbeing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

We were particularly encouraged to see women stepping into leadership roles, supporting others during sessions and building confidence that will serve them well in future community activities.

Despite challenges such as rising food costs and language barriers, ReachHer adapted with compassion and creativity, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility throughout.

This project demonstrates how relatively small grants, when placed in the right hands, can generate profound impact. We are grateful to have supported ReachHer and inspired by the strength, resilience, and growth shown by the women involved. We look forward to seeing how this work continues to grow and benefit the Southend-on-Sea community.

TikTok: @reachher187