Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

March is a time to celebrate the strength, courage, resilience and brilliance of women past, present and future.

Women’s History Month isn’t just a moment in the calendar. It’s a reminder of the change women have led, the barriers they have broken, and the sustainable future they continue to shape every single day.

At Ara, we’re proud to stand alongside women: in our teams, in our services, and in our communities. This month is about more than recognition. It’s about action. It’s about creating space. It’s about recommitting to equality, inclusion and meaningful support.

Our Women’s Working Group is continuing to hold spaces for connection, learning and honest conversations about gender equality and the realities women face in the workplace and beyond.

And our impact reaches further. Natalia is rolling out the Women’s Drop-In, working collaboratively with local organisations, including Shelter, One25, BCC Homeless Prevention Team, and St Mungo’s, to help women access vital support, from housing and community engagement to gambling recovery services. Because real change happens when support is accessible, visible and compassionate.

What’s happening this March?

Week 1 (2–6 March)

In the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, we’re collecting donations of toiletries and essential clothing items for The Nelson Trust Women’s Centre. We’re particularly looking for shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and new underwear and socks. If you’d like to contribute, please get in touch at KellyLack@recovery4all.co.uk by Friday 27th March.

Tuesday 17th March

On Tuesday 17th March at 2pm, we’re hosting a virtual Women’s Wellbeing Hour for our team: a space to connect, reflect and take part in a guided mindfulness session.

Tuesday 31st March: Women’s History Month Drop-In

We’re hosting a Women’s History Month Drop-In Event for clients, with music, refreshments, service stalls, and creative activities, from inspiration trees to affirmation cards and seed planting.

📍 Unitarian Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol

🕚 11am – 3pm

🤝 Partner organisations attending: SARSAS, One25, The Nelson Trust Bristol Women’s Centre, Beloved

This month and every month, we celebrate the women who shape Ara and the communities we serve.

Let’s lead the change.

Let’s shape the future.

Together.