During the 2025, Women Reach Women CIC continued its work supporting South Asian and wider BAME communities and older adults, with a focus on health awareness, social connection and reducing isolation. Our activities this year have covered menopause awareness, cancer awareness, and physical activity and support for people affected by Parkinson's disease. Menopause awareness project We have been delivering a project on menopause with South Asian women in the local area. Menopause remains a subject that is rarely discussed openly in South Asian communities, and many women reach it with little reliable information and no safe space to ask questions. Rather than relying on formal health talks, we have built awareness through activities that women already feel comfortable joining - embroidery groups and tea and chai sessions - using these as a starting point for conversation about symptoms, treatment options and when to seek support from a GP. The benefit to the community has been twofold. Women have gained practical knowledge about their own health and greater confidence in raising menopause with health professionals, and the sessions have created ongoing friendships and peer support among women who were previously socially isolated. MPACE - cancer awareness in BAME communities in Preston MPACE delivers culturally appropriate engagement activities and tailored resources through volunteers and cancer champions. Its aim is to increase awareness within BAME communities in Preston of cancer symptoms, treatment options, and the psychological and social support available. The project also seeks to improve knowledge of local cancer support services, ensuring these are both accessible and relevant to community needs. The benefit to the community lies in earlier symptom recognition and better use of existing services. By working through trained volunteers and cancer champions who are trusted members of their own communities, information reaches people who are often missed by mainstream awareness campaigns, and services that already exist locally become genuinely usable by residents who previously did not know about them or did not feel they were intended for them. Parkinson's awareness and movement sessions We received funding from Parkinson's UK to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and of the support Parkinson's UK provides. Through this funding we deliver weekly movement and chair-based sessions offering light exercise for older adults living with movement difficulties, followed by a cup of chai for participants to gather, socialise and learn more about the condition. These sessions benefit the community by improving mobility, balance and confidence among older adults who would otherwise have little access to appropriate physical activity, and by giving family members and carers a route into information and support. The informal chai gathering that follows each session is as important as the exercise itself, providing regular contact for people at high risk of loneliness.

The company's stakeholders include our Steering Group Committee, made up of representatives from local voluntary and statutory services, alongside our funding partners, delivery volunteers, community representatives and the community members who take part in our activities. Steering Group Committee Comprising local voluntary and statutory service representatives. The Committee meets regularly to review progress, discuss emerging issues and advise on direction. Its guidance has helped us prioritise activities and strengthen referral routes between our projects and local services. Macmillan Cancer Support A principal funding partner. We maintain regular communication through progress reports and evaluation updates. Their feedback has shaped our monitoring processes, ensuring that the evidence we collect is both robust and relevant to service planning. Parkinson's UK Funding partner for our weekly movement and chair-based sessions. We report on delivery and attendance and discuss how the sessions are working in practice. Their feedback has informed the way we structure the sessions and the awareness information we share with participants and their families. Local cancer support services Organisations delivering direct cancer support in Preston. Engagement with them highlights current service challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Their feedback has enabled us to adapt our programme to complement existing provision and avoid duplication. Volunteers and cancer champions The backbone of our delivery. We hold regular feedback sessions to understand their experiences of engaging communities. Their insights have led to new peer-support mechanisms and adjustments to training to build confidence in addressing sensitive health topics. BAME community leaders Trusted figures who help us engage effectively with our target audiences. Ongoing dialogue with them ensures our resources are culturally resonant and our messaging is accessible. Their input has directly influenced the design of tailored outreach materials and engagement events. Community members and participants The women attending our menopause and embroidery sessions, and the older adults and carers attending our weekly movement sessions. We gather feedback informally during sessions and through conversations with regular attendees. Their views have shaped the format and timing of activities, the topics we cover, and our decision to build awareness-raising around social activities rather than formal health talks.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration