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Localwomen4women - Our Values and What We Do |
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LocalWomen4Women founded by three local women in 2008 has built up a network of local women by organising two Women’s Health and Wellbeing Days which have been very successful. We are now in the process of organising another, larger event to be held at Kennaway House, Sidmouth on Saturday 13 November 2010. Any profits go to local charities and over £3,000 have been raised for FORCE. This year we are asking local businesses to sponsor us. Our days have proved so popular they have sold out in advance with a waiting list established.
Aim
Mutual support, personal development, confidence and wellbeing for women.
Objectives
- to provide an opportunity for local women in business to showcase their businesses and network
- to provide opportunities for local women to develop new skills, meet new people and build confidence
- to raise funds for local charities
Values/principles
- Promotion of local women in business
- Promotion of health and wellbeing including stress management, nutrition, complementary health and preventative approaches
- All inclusive
- An emphasis on environmental sustainability and green issues.
Social benefits
- Promotion of local women in businesses
- Benefit to local community
- Run by women for local women
- Mutual support for women
- Targeting local interest groups – e.g. carers, women in employment needing a greater work/ life balance, women who have experienced loss or a recent illness, women in business, women who have retired, women who are marginalised or socially excluded.
What we do
- Website – provides information, advertising and networking opportunities
- Distribute information via email
- Personal development training, providing a wide range of workshops, e.g. confidence building, presentation skills.
- Social events
- Promoting local businesses
- Annual Women’s Health and Wellbeing day
- Fundraising for FORCE and other local charities
Contact details
Heather Eardley: Mobile: 07872633189
Gaynor Hitchcock: Mobile: 07932678395
Website: www.localwomen4women.co.uk
Email: admin@localwomen4women.co.uk |
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Heather Eardley |
| I moved to Devon 18 years ago and worked for Devon County Council and NHS, originally training as a social worker. 3 years ago I took the plunge and set up my own business as a freelance project manager /management consultant and also trained as nutritional therapist . I love the variety, challenge and flexibility which being self employed gives me. I know only too well the importance of work life balance on health and wellbeing having been a workaholic for too many years! I now play volley ball, do pilates, yoga am learning to play the piano. A group of us are also walking the south west coastal path twice a year and hope to get all the way round before we get too old! I've really enjoyed being involved in organising the women’s days and have made new friends in the process. Each year we have uncovered more and more women running their own businesses who are willing to give their time energy to this exciting day. We hope this year will be even more varied and inspiring and enjoyable . |
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Gaynor Hitchcock |
| I’ve known Heather for about seven years, we both worked at the RD&E. She later got me involved in volleyball and walking the South West coastal walk (or trying to!) and is a welcome support through life’s ups and downs. My life is a constant juggling act, working full-time at the hospital in a very busy job while also caring for my elderly parents at home. I have an abiding passion for food and cooking but try to fit in some healthy pursuits like salsa as well. Needless to say, I am looking forward to some relaxing therapies on 13 November! |
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Gill Burbidge |
I studied art and design at both Loughborough and Exeter Colleges and Fine Art at University of Plymouth. My approach to and interest in felt making is derived from painting (rather than keeping sheep). As a contemporary felt artist, I describe felt making as the ‘clay of fabric making’. The fibres can be sculpted into 3-D form or applied to silk chiffon or cotton scrim (nuno felting). The latter enables the creation of wearable works of art which are fine, fluid and drapeable; embellishing with silks and velvets and the textural possibilities are boundless. The process is haptic, i.e. direct contact with the materials. On 13 November, delegates are invited – throughout the day – to assist (briefly) in the creation a piece of wall art (mural) representing unique diversity and women’s creativity. Gill is Lecturer at Bicton College and research interests include The Role of Art in Expansion of Identity and Felt Making as Metaphor for Social Diversity. |
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Sarah Gibbs |
| I became a member of the committee after first taking part in the Women's Health & Wellbeing Day at Escot in 2008. Once involved it became clear just how much effort goes into putting on these events! I work as a Skin care Therapist and now practise from my studio at home in Newton Poppleford. I love to help ladies who have real concerns regarding their skin whether it be adult acne, pigmentation, skin aging or sensitivity. I am a very active person who enjoys walking my springer spaniels or running with the Women's Running Network. Friends describe me as a very sociable person who likes the odd Gin & Tonic! |
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Fiona Gunn |
| As a member of the committee I have personal first hand experience of the invaluable range of therapies and services offered by the FORCE Cancer Support Centre, truly a welcoming sanctuary. I had thought my work/life balance was right, working part time as a Nursery Nurse in the glorious East Devon countryside, although my background had been accounting. However, in May 2007, at the age of 47, I received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. The following months were gruelling as I faced chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. I managed to get through the dark days of treatment with the help and support of my closest family and friends, my marvellous Breast Care Nurse Specialist, the FORCE Centre and Heather, my neighbour, who was in just the right place to encourage me to take control by modifying my diet and taking up yoga and Pilates. I undertook my first ever yoga class towards the end of my chemotherapy with a Portacath line in place whilst wearing my wig, which in retrospect was perhaps a little ambitious! Over the course of the past few years I have met so many inspiring and amazing women. I now live for the moment and take nothing for granted. I attended the Women’s Health & Wellbeing Day at Escot in 2008 and joined the committee shortly after. I am also involved in the Newton Poppleford Friends of FORCE. |
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