Showing up for women in Colchester on International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day this year, the theme was Give to Gain. The intiative encouraged the notion that when you give generously to advance opportunities and support for women, the whole community benefits. To turn this sentiment into action, the team decided to run a collection for Colchester Women’s Refuge (The Next Chapter). They provide safe accommodation and support to women and children across Essex fleeing domestic abuse. Choosing a charity on our doorstep felt like the right way to mark this year’s IWD.

We gathered toiletries, water bottles, blankets and pamper items. Small comforts. Midway through our collection efforts, someone pointed out that most of the women at the refuge have children with them. Obvious in hindsight, but we hadn’t initially made the connection. We adjusted the collection to includ colouring books, toys, stickers.

The numbers behind this are worth knowing. As of May 2025, there were 4,619 bedspaces across 286 refuges in England. The most common reason referrals were turned away was a lack of space. In 2023-24, those services supported over 11,000 women and nearly 13,000 children. These organisations do vital work, mostly without much recognition. [Source: Women’s Aid Annual Audit 2026]

Our inital aim was to collect enough to fill one box. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the team, we ended up with three boxes. Two went to Colchester Women’s Refuge. The third went to CENS, the night shelter on Alexandra Road where some of our team already volunteer. We’re proud to be part of this community and we want to keep showing up for it, not just on awareness days.

If you’d like to support either organisation, both welcome donations year-round.
Colchester Women’s Refuge: thenextchapter.org.uk
Colchester Engagement and Next Steps (CENS): cens4homeless.org.uk