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A £3,000 grant from the P&G Fund at Community Foundation North East has helped 110 women experiencing isolation, poor mental health, trauma and other challenges to build friendships, improve their wellbeing and grow in confidence.
The P&G Fund was established at Community Foundation North East in 1990 and now supports people experiencing hardship and poverty across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. By working with the Foundation, P&G directs its charitable giving to local organisations responding to needs within communities across the region.
One organisation supported through the fund is Bensham Grove Community Centre, which received funding to run a weekly Women’s Wellbeing Circle, providing a safe and welcoming space for women who may otherwise struggle to access support.
The grant has supported funding for a wellbeing facilitator, creative materials, refreshments, volunteer support and guest practitioners. Through creative activities, gentle movement, conversation and peer support, women were able to take time away from everyday pressures, develop relationships and focus on their wellbeing.
Women reported reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood and feeling better able to cope with difficult circumstances. Regular attendance also helped participants establish routines, develop trust and form supportive friendships.
For one participant, the importance of having somewhere to connect with others was simple:
“This group gives me someone to talk to other than the dogs as I’m just on my own.”
The impact has now extended beyond the weekly sessions as twenty-two women went on to take part in other community activities, learning opportunities or volunteering roles.
Su Legg, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“P&G’s support is a great example of what businesses can achieve when they choose to invest in the communities around them. A relatively modest grant has enabled a trusted local organisation to create something consistent and welcoming that has reached more than 100 women.”
Lindsay Bewick, P&G Advisory Committee Member, said:
“P&G is proud to have supported the Women’s Wellbeing Craft Circle at Bensham Grove Community Centre through the P&G Fund at the Community Foundation. It is wonderful to see how the grant has helped create a welcoming space where women can build friendships, improve their wellbeing and grow in confidence.
Supporting initiatives like this reflects P&G’s ambition to be a Force for Good in the communities where we live and work. The new connections and opportunities created through the project show just how powerful and valuable community-led support can be.”
Julie, who facilitates the Women’s Wellbeing Circle, said:
“It provides a safe and welcoming space for women to come and take time out to just be themselves. As well as making a different take-home craft each week, they chat and enjoy time together.”
Through its fund at Community Foundation North East, P&G is demonstrating how businesses can use philanthropy to support grassroots organisations with the knowledge, relationships and experience to respond to local needs – turning charitable giving into practical support and lasting connections within communities.