Group supporting vulnerable women opens new shop and community hub
A Leamington group that works to support vulnerable women in the community this week celebrated the opening of their new shop and hub – back at the place where the project was first conceived nine years ago.
At an event on 9 December volunteers and invited guests gathered to mark the launch of the pre-loved shop, women’s hub, workspace and counselling room which has been 18 months in thew planning.
Support, skills and opportunity
The unit, in Gloucester Street, is an extension of The Esther Project, a CiC established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023, followed by Esther House, a seven-bed supported living accommodation. A new drop-off point on the same street has also opened to help keep the shop stocked with pre-loved goods.
The space, the original home of the early concept Esther Group in 2016,, can offer a full programme of support, training, and employability opportunities—from counselling sessions in the dedicated therapy room, to creative workshops and trauma-informed courses in the hub, and barista training and cooking classes in the kitchen. The women can also gain hands-on retail and customer service experience as supported volunteers in the pre-loved shop, helping them build confidence and new skills for the future.
A meaningful return
Cutting the ribbon on both the shop and hub spaces were The Lord Lieutenant Tim Cox, Deputy Lieutenant, Clare Sawdon and High Sheriff Karen Lynch.
The Lord Lieutenant said: “We are very keen to support what Lianne and the fundraising team are doing. Thank you to the volunteers and everyone whose help has meant we have the foundations now for this project and we need to make sure it continues to grow.”
Lianne’s mission is to create, nurture and empower a community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions. Esther House offers vulnerable women a safe space to recover.
Lianne said: “This marks a meaningful return to the very building where The Esther Group first began back in 2016, making the launch feel like a true homecoming. The hub has been created as a women-only space offering vital access to support, group workshops and therapeutic counselling. It will also provide hands-on opportunities for women to gain confidence and build skills in retail, barista work, baking, sewing and other skills.
“We’re proud to be working in collaboration with various other individuals and businesses such as the Corner Cottage Bakery who will be helping by offering real, practical experience that can open the door to future employment.
She added: “This new chapter has only been possible thanks to the incredible support we’ve received from the community and our partners. Reaching this point in just 18 short months is something we’re truly grateful for, and we look forward to welcoming women from across the area into a warm, supportive and empowering environment.
The Esther Project is a gender-specific initiative supporting women facing mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison, or experiencing homelessness.
A warm welcoming space
Until now, The Esther Project has operated primarily through a weekly drop-in session at All Saints Parish Church each Monday, alongside remote support, workshops, and training delivered off-site.
A timetable of courses is being planned including Kintsugi, yoga, skincare, trauma courses and wellbeing sessions.
Any professionals who would like to offer their time for workshops or courses at the hub are invited to contact Kerry Steward at: kerry@theestherproject.co.uk
Lianne added: “I would like to thank so many people who have helped us on this journey to create such a warm welcoming space, especially our sponsors, Richards Cadbury Trust, Rosemary Lamb, The Box Factory, Heart of England and two further anonymous donors. We’ve also had the help from Martin Adams & Co, JLR, Haystoun Construction, Balfour Beatty, Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, Gemma Grao, Michelle Abrahall, Rachael Reid Interiors, Feldon, Dunsmore Solicitors, Marianne Taviner, Laurence and Zani Franklin, TonyG Ltd, Karen Massey Photography and Farmers Fayre.
Pre-loved shop and women’s hub
“The opening of the Pre-Loved Shop and Women’s Hub represents more than a new space. It’s a fresh start, a safe place to grow and a reminder of what can be achieved when a community stands together.”
The shop and drop-off points, at No. 6 and 12 Gloucester Street, are open between 10am-4pm Tuesdays-Saturdays.
Women can self-refer to the hub via this link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheEstherProjectWomenOfWorthCIC/WomenOfWorthProgrammeRegistration
