Since September 2025, the Shpresa Programme has been buzzing with life, laughter, and community spirit. All our planned services started right on time and have been running beautifully, thanks to the hard work, care, and enthusiasm of our staff, volunteers, and every woman who walks through our doors. It’s been a truly special term.
Women’s Support Groups: Where Friendships and Confidence Grow
This term we’ve continued running our three Women’s Support Groups in Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Edmonton, and they’re fuller and more vibrant than ever. Women come together each week to:
- Break isolation and make new friends
- Chat, laugh, share experiences
- Learn about topics that matter to them, Life in UK and much more
- Join courses, volunteering and upskill, becoming champions of the community
- Enjoy relaxing art activities and walk and talk sessions
We also continue offering mental health referral sessions, giving women access to six-week wellbeing support. These sessions have been incredibly helpful for those dealing with stress, anxiety, or difficult life situations, providing a gentle, supportive space to talk, breathe, and heal.
Walk & Talk Adventures: Fresh Air, Fresh Minds
Our Walk & Talk groups have been one of the highlights of the term. Besides weekly walks in local parks, the women have explored:
- Romford Library
- Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Canary Wharf
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- The City of London
- And even enjoyed a memorable trip to Bath
These outings have been such a joy, women tell us they help them de-stress, improve mental health, bond with their children, and simply enjoy being out in the world together. For many, these moments of connection feel like breathing fresh air after long periods of struggle.
A Term Filled with Local Events and Community Moments
Our women have also been getting involved in so many wonderful local activities, really becoming part of the wider community. This term they’ve taken part in:
- The Big Friendly Coffee Morning at Barking Park
- A fun Mini Fair at Dagenham Library during October half-term
- Pumpkin carving at Barking Food Forest
- Golden Jewels coffee mornings
- Hand-made craft sessions supporting older adults
For families facing financial pressure, we’ve also been able to refer many women to Felix Fresh, helping them access fresh fruit and vegetables, relieving some of the weekly stress of food costs.
Celebrating Two Special Events
This term we proudly took part in two meaningful and inspiring events:
19 September – St Catherine Cree
An event held in honour of Luljeta Nuzi and Mother Teresa, celebrating women’s leadership, strength, and compassion. It was a touching evening filled with gratitude and recognition for tireless dedication to the community.
14 October – Parliament: Celebrating Leadership
Another proud moment for Shpresa, celebrating leadership, community voice, and the powerful role of migrant women. Many of our women attended, feeling uplifted, valued, and represented.
Welcoming 2026 Volunteers
We are thrilled to share that 26 new volunteers joined the Shpresa family this term! They completed their induction training online and are already making an incredible difference, supporting groups, helping run activities, and bringing fresh energy, colour, and kindness into everything we do.
Their contribution has truly helped bring the Shpresa community spirit to life, making our spaces feel even more welcoming, warm, and full of heart.
Why This Matters
Many of our women face financial hardship, language barriers, racism, mental health, VAWG and social isolation. Every group, outing, conversation, and shared cup of coffee helps rebuild confidence and reminds them that they belong.
The feedback this term has been overwhelmingly positive, women say the programme is life-changing, uplifting, and a source of hope. They’re grateful for the opportunities, the friendships, and the chance to express themselves freely.
And we are grateful for them, for their strength, their courage, and the joy they bring to our community.
Looking Ahead
As we move through the year, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum. More groups, more learning, more community, more joy, and many more moments where women feel supported, empowered, and truly at home.
Together, we are creating something beautiful and long-lasting.
