Promoting wellbeing for women with a Ladies' Day!

On Saturday 17th November, Watford Community Housing brought together a range of local services to host a Ladies’ Day at the Meriden Community Centre. The day focused on helping local women find out about useful organisations in Hertfordshire, and gave anyone who might be struggling a pampering in the process!

The event was set up after one resident, Jamie Leigh-Barclay, approached us with a passion for female empowerment. Jamie met with Elena Reis from the Community Engagement team and together they came up with the idea of a Ladies’ Day. This would give local women the opportunity to find out about the services and charities that are available, and would also provide the chance for women to improve their wellbeing, learn about self-defence and treat themselves with a pampering session.

On the day, the event drew more than 70 attendees, and was a great success! Lots of local organisations supported the event, such as pregnancy crisis and support organisation Alternatives, Herts Health Walks, Herts Rape Crisis and Herts Mind. Hair stylists, make-up and nail artists, and a reflexologist provided free treatments for all who attended. There were also activities for children, self-defence classes and a martial arts display!

One resident said: “The Ladies’ Day has been a fantastic day, well organised, very helpful and informative. I didn’t realise just how many organisations and groups are out there to offer vital services and help people when they need it most.” Another agreed, saying: “Everybody was extremely friendly, and the staff were really helpful. It was a lovely atmosphere and overall everything ran perfectly – I’m really glad I came!”

Elena Reis, Community Engagement Officer for Watford Community Housing said: “The team are really pleased with how successful Ladies’ Day has been. We’re delighted to have been able to showcase so many fantastic local services and organisations for local women. We’d like to thank all the organisations and volunteers who made this event possible – we were overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm from all involved.”

Following on from the success of the event, Watford Community Housing is looking to hold a similar event for men in 2019. If you would like to be involved please contact Elena Reis on 01923 209183.