Women and girls across Suffolk will benefit from new opportunities, skills training, and wellbeing projects over the next three years, thanks to a major £259,832 funding boost. This substantial financial support secures the immediate future of vital local networks designed to build confidence, foster connections, and create positive experiences for women in the area.
The funding was revealed during a special community party marking a decade of local work by the Future Female Society. The organisation has spent the last ten years working to ensure every woman and girl is given the chance to shine, succeed, and thrive. By providing support, tools, and training, they have built a strong network across the town and the wider county.
A Decade of Community Support
To celebrate this ten-year milestone and share the funding news, the group brought the community together for an afternoon filled with food, entertainment, and creativity. The anniversary event was co-presented with Suffolk Archives, with additional support provided by Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Community Fund.
The celebration highlighted the diverse and joyful nature of the community that has grown around the organisation over the past decade. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of activities throughout the afternoon, which included:
- A multicultural fashion show, featuring members such as Wendy, who took part wearing traditional Afghan fashion.
- Live performances from local talent.
- A community talent show showcasing the skills of women and girls.
- Creative workshops including badge and bag making.
- Face painting for families and children.
- Performances by a community choir.
- A shared lunch and refreshments for all guests.
The event closed with a community sing-a-long led by performer Monique, rounding off a day that celebrated the people, families, volunteers, and partners who have been part of the journey over the past decade.
Investing in the Future
The newly announced funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will allow the organisation to build on this ten-year legacy and invest heavily in the future. It ensures that they can continue to run their current workshops, events, and programmes, while also expanding their reach to help even more people.
Kim Trotter, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, shared her excitement at the event.
“The £259,832 award from The National Lottery Community Fund will make a huge difference to what we are able to offer over the next three years. It means we can continue projects that are already making a difference while also creating new opportunities for women, girls, migrant and refugee women and the wider community.”
Reflecting on the history of the group, she explained that a decade ago, the team could not have imagined the path they would take. She noted that the anniversary party served as a massive thank you to everyone who has supported them, describing the funding and the celebration as the perfect reward for their hard work.
“What started with a desire to create opportunities and bring women together has grown into a community of women, girls, families, volunteers and partners who continue to inspire us every day. This party is also a big thank you to all of them.”
She added that the community turned out in force for the celebration, helping to make memories that will last a lifetime, and expressed deep gratitude to The National Lottery Community Fund for believing in their work.
As a Community Interest Company, the group remains focused on creating safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces where women and girls feel seen, heard, and valued. They are dedicated to helping women achieve great things, simply aiming to do good work that benefits the whole community.
If you would like to find out more about the upcoming projects, access support, or get involved with their workshops and events over the coming months, you can visit their website at www.futurefemalesociety.org.
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