Aspirations Program Registered Charity 1195424

16/02/2026

🌸 Celebrate International Women’s Day with Us 🌸

Join us for a special community celebration recognising the achievements, strength and contributions of women in our society.

📅 Friday 6th March 2026
📍 Victoria Shopping Centre, First Floor, SS2 5SP
🎟 FREE Event, 👉 Register now: www.welcome2theuk.com/iwd

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, celebrates the power of sharing knowledge, support and experiences within our community. The day is designed to bring people together to connect, learn and inspire one another.

✨ What to expect
* Official opening by Bayo Alaba MP
* Live performance from Southend Chamber Vox Choir
* Inspiring speakers and interactive workshops
* Fitness and wellbeing sessions
* Creative activities including bracelet making, vision boards and hair accessory workshops
* Networking with local organisations and around 30 community stallholders
* Pop up café and entertainment throughout the day

There is something for everyone, whether you want to learn a new skill, meet new people, build confidence or simply enjoy a positive and welcoming space.

📧 iwd@welcome2theuk.com

📞 01702 808 579

13/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual valentines me, it was a lovely night, which raised £700 thank you, Lucy Watts, for organising, and thank you to Leigh Tandoori for the amazing food.

And another thank you to everyone who donated Raffle Prizes we can't raise these vital funds alone❤️

11/02/2026

Thank you to the incredible Karen Marie Johntson who delivered an outstanding 2-day training on Communication, Boundaries & Team Connection in Trauma-Informed Services!

Our team of 35 came away with invaluable skills and insights to enhance our support for those we serve and amongst each other. What really stood out was how held and supported the whole team felt by the trainer, even when exploring some really challenging topics - that takes skill!

If you're looking to level up your team's approach to trauma-informed care, I couldn't recommend Karen more!

Big shoutout to our amazing team for showing up, being vulnerable, and committing to growth - you guys are amazing.
"Shame dies when stories are told in safe places" - this training created that safe space, and we're grateful for it.

Huge thanks also to East Street Catering for the delicious lunches that kept us fueled and happy, and to The Palace Hotel for hosting us in such a lovely setting - perfect combo!

Thanks again Karen for an unforgettable experience - looking forward to seeing the impact!

04/02/2026

The National Lottery Community Fund 🫶

Aspirations Day Program has been awarded £734,584 in National Lottery funding.

02/02/2026

We are proud and excited to announce that Aspirations Day Program has been awarded £734,584 in National Lottery funding to transform support for vulnerable women in Southend.
This significant investment will launch a major "Systems Strengthening" project designed to revolutionise the support infrastructure for vulnerable women across Southend.
For years, Aspirations has provided a vital lifeline for women facing complex challenges, including homelessness, domestic abuse, and street-based prostitution. This new funding, made possible by the National Lottery, will allow the charity to move beyond emergency response into a new era of sustainable, high-impact service delivery.
Strengthening the Frontline and the Foundation
The five-year grant will be utilised to "future-proof" the organisation through a dual focus on operational excellence and frontline expansion. Key pillars of the project include:
System Infrastructure: A complete overhaul of internal operations to ensure the charity can meet the rising demand for its services.
Extended Outreach: Scaling up the charity's existing outreach efforts to reach women who are currently isolated from support networks.
Research & Development: Establishing a dedicated R&D team looking at women in prison and how Aspirations can meet those needs and adapt our services in real-time.
New Leadership Roles Created
To drive this transformation, Aspirations Day Program is immediately opening recruitment for three pivotal new positions to join their Southend-based team:
Operations Manager: To lead strategic implementation and service delivery.
Finance Assistant: To support the robust management of the new funding and long-term financial health.
HR & Admin Assistant: To support the growing workforce and ensure administrative excellence.
This funding will be a game-changer It allows us to stop simply reacting to crises and start building a system that catches women before they fall. By investing in an Operations Manager, a Finance Assistant, and a dedicated HR function, we are ensuring that every penny of this money goes toward creating a safer, more supportive future for our community
The National Lottery Community Fund

30/01/2026

We are on the look out for new volunteers to support us with our fundraising and events!

Support would be required on an ad-hoc basis to help out at things like collection days, community events or our own fundraising events. A truly rewarding and exciting role, which would always be different!

We are totally flexible, provide travel expenses, training and a charity shop discount, and access to free food and meals (where possible).

If you are interested in getting involved, get in contact at francesca@aspirationsprogram.org.uk

I hope to hear from you soon!

30/01/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to the Albert Hunt Trust for their generous grant supporting our core costs.

This vital funding helps us continue to support people in recovery from addiction and vulnerable women in Southend, ensuring our services remain stable, responsive, and accessible to those who need them most.

Thank you to the Albert Hunt Trust for believing in our work and helping us create lasting change.



www.alberthunttrust.org.uk

26/01/2026

We're looking for volunteers to join our team!

🌟 *Women's Only Service*: We're seeking volunteers to support our women's only service, providing a safe and empowering space for women in our community. This role involves working with vulnerable women and an enhanced DBS check will be completed.

🏠 *Charity Shop on London Road*: Join our amazing team at our charity shop on London Road! As a volunteer, you'll get:
- 20% discount on amazing items in our shop
- Fairs reimbursed
- Lunches provided

If you're passionate about making a difference and would like to volunteer with us, please get in touch: Info@aspirationsprogram.org.uk

Please share

23/01/2026

Run Together. Feel Better. Do Good.
Join the Aspirations Program community in 2026 and run for a cause that changes lives!

We've partnered with Run for Charity to bring you a variety of running events in 2026. Register your space with confidence and security, reduced registration fees and low fundraising targets!

By taking part in a sponsored run, you’ll help raise vital funds for Aspirations Program Registered Charity 1195424.

We have a range of events available in Essex and London, from 10ks to half-marathons and obstacle courses, so there is something for everyone! All fitness levels and abilities are welcome to take part.

Running also helps you! Boost your physical and mental health, challenge yourself, reduce stress, build confidence, and do something amazing for a good cause!

Visit our website - aspirationsprogram.org.uk/event to register your spot! Any questions, feel free to email us at info@aspirationsprogram.org.uk.

20/01/2026

💙 MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY 💙

Small, regular donations help us provide consistent support to those affected by addiction and vulnerability in Southend. By setting up a small monthly donation by standing order, you help us plan ahead and support people all year round.

✨ From as little as £1 a month!
✔ Flexible
✔ Secure
✔ Cancel anytime

Your monthly donation could fund:
🧦 £5 – New socks and underwear for a vulnerable woman
🥫 £10 – An outreach bag with food & hygiene essentials
🍽 £15 – Lunch for up to 20 women at our drop-in centre
🥪 £20 – A week of lunches for up to 12 people on our Recovery Day Programme

👉 If of our followers donated just £1 a month, we would have enough to pay the rent on our women’s drop-in service for the next 2 years.

Use your banking app to set-up a standing order today!

Aspirations Program | Lloyds Bank | 30-90-89 | 56287260

16/01/2026

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone that supported our Family Support Campaign this Christmas with their kind donations of toys and funds and by volunteering their time.

We have received some feedback from the families that received our support and they were so grateful, thank you again for supporting Aspirations and families in need!