During the reporting and development period, Women Empowerment and Wellness Network CIC continued to operate for the benefit of the community by delivering inclusive, culturally responsive activities that support women, families and underserved communities across the North East. The organisation’s work has focused particularly on Black and Minority Ethnic women, migrant and refugee women, families experiencing exclusion, young women , older women and emerging grassroots community leaders. Overall, WEWN has worked with and supported approximately 300 BME women through a combination of direct activities, outreach, peer support, wellbeing sessions, leadership development and community engagement. Summary of CIC Activities Delivered community engagement, confidence-building and empowerment activities for BME women through the Engage and Excel pillar. Provided culturally responsive wellbeing and peer support activities, including early development work linked to Afia Clinic. Created and improved welcoming community activity hubs to provide safe, accessible and friendly spaces for women and families. Supported women to build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, employability awareness and stronger social connections. Provided signposting, informal advocacy and referral support to help women and families access relevant services. Strengthened partnerships with funders, voluntary sector organisations, local community partners and grassroots leaders. Developed organisational capacity, planning and delivery approaches to support long-term sustainability and regional impact. WEWN received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All to deliver the Engage and Excel pillar of activities. This support enabled the organisation to provide practical engagement, leadership, confidence-building and community empowerment activities for BME women. The programme has been successful to date, with positive participation, increased community connection and evidence of improved confidence, peer support and access to opportunities. Funding from Screwfix assisted WEWN to renovate its activity hubs and improve the physical environment available for community activities. This investment helped create safer, more welcoming and community-friendly spaces where women and families can gather, take part in activities, receive support and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Support from the Reach Fund has assisted WEWN to develop this business plan and strengthen its strategic approach to delivering Afia Clinic across the North East region. This has enabled the organisation to clarify its delivery model, consider more sustainable approaches, improve planning and develop a stronger foundation for future social impact, partnership working and investment readiness. Funding from LNER supported WEWN’s Safe Steps project, which focused on building confidence, wellbeing and safer travel awareness among migrant and racially minoritised women. The project strengthened women’s confidence to use public transport, reduced isolation, increased peer connection and created an important platform for women’s lived experiences of safety and travel to be heard. The learning and impact from Safe Steps contributed to WEWN’s participation in North East Combined Authority research on women and girls’ experiences of safety when travelling across the region, helping ensure that the voices of migrant and BME women are included in wider regional planning and policy discussions. The overall impact of WEWN’s work is demonstrated through increased engagement from BME women, stronger community trust, improved access to support, enhanced organisational capacity and a clearer route towards sustainable delivery. WEWN remains committed to ensuring that all assets, funding and programme income are used to advance community benefit and are reinvested into activities that support empowerment, wellbeing, inclusion and long-term social change.

WEWN’s business activities are shaped through regular consultation with stakeholders, beneficiaries, community partners and members of its wider network. During the reporting period, the organisation held approximately four consultation meetings with its network to review community needs, gather feedback and inform the direction of services. These consultations helped ensure that WEWN’s activities remained community-led, responsive to lived experience and aligned with the priorities identified by the women and communities it exists to support.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration