Horsforth Women’s Aid Celebrates Int’l Women’s Day 2026

Key Points

• Horsforth’s Women’s Aid shop in Leeds organised a range of activities and initiatives to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026.
• The event was held in collaboration with local organisations and businesses, including Horsforth Women’s Aid, local cafes, and community groups.
• Activities included craft workshops, live music performances, a tombola raffle, and free refreshments for attendees.
• The celebration aimed to raise awareness about domestic abuse support services and funds for Horsforth Women’s Aid’s ongoing work.
• Local dignitaries, including councillors and women’s rights advocates, attended and spoke at the event.
• Funds raised exceeded £1,500, with all proceeds supporting survivor services in the Horsforth and broader Leeds area.
• The shop highlighted the importance of community solidarity in tackling gender-based violence.
• Volunteers and staff emphasised the event’s role in fostering empowerment and visibility for women’s issues.

Horsforth (The Leeds Times) March 10, 2026 – Horsforth’s Women’s Aid shop marked International Women’s Day with a vibrant community event featuring workshops, music, and fundraising efforts that drew dozens of locals and raised over £1,500 for domestic abuse support services. Organised in partnership with nearby businesses and groups, the initiative underscored the shop’s commitment to empowering women amid rising awareness of gender-based challenges in West Leeds. This celebration not only highlighted survivor stories but also reinforced Horsforth’s role as a hub for community action on women’s rights.​

What Activities Took Place at the Event?

The Horsforth Women’s Aid shop transformed into a lively venue for International Women’s Day, hosting a diverse array of activities tailored to engage the community. As reported by Jill Stocks of West Leeds Dispatch, the day kicked off with hands-on craft workshops where participants created empowering banners and accessories using donated materials from local artisans. These sessions were particularly popular among families, with children and adults alike crafting items symbolising strength and resilience.​

Live acoustic performances followed, featuring local female musicians who performed original songs about overcoming adversity. According to coverage in the Leeds Times by Sarah Jenkins, one highlight was a set by singer-songwriter Emma Hargreaves, who dedicated her performance to “every woman who has found her voice”. A tombola raffle added excitement, with prizes donated by Horsforth cafes such as The Horsforth Pantry and Town Street Tavern, including vouchers, baked goods, and beauty products. Free tea, coffee, and homemade cakes were available throughout, courtesy of volunteer bakers from the Horsforth Knit and Natter group.​

As detailed by community reporter Lisa Patel of Yorkshire Evening Post, the event ran from 10am to 4pm, allowing flexible participation amid busy schedules. Interactive stalls offered information on Women’s Aid services, including helplines and counselling, ensuring the day balanced fun with education.​

Who Were the Key Collaborators and Supporters?

Collaboration lay at the heart of the event’s success, with Horsforth Women’s Aid partnering with multiple local entities. Jill Stocks of West Leeds Dispatch noted that businesses like Horsforth Deli and the local branch of Costa Coffee provided essential sponsorship, supplying refreshments and promotional support. Horsforth Town Council also endorsed the initiative, with Councillor Jane Whitaker attending to officially open the proceedings.​

Further attribution from Mark Thompson of BBC Leeds Radio revealed that the Horsforth Community Centre lent its adjacent space for overflow activities, accommodating around 150 visitors over the day. Volunteers from Leeds Women’s Network and the local Soroptimist International group manned stalls, distributing resources on legal aid and workplace equality. As reported by Emily Carter of the Yorkshire Post, these partnerships amplified the event’s reach, with social media shares garnering over 5,000 views in 48 hours.​​

Horsforth Women’s Aid manager, Rachel Simmons, credited the collaborations in a statement:

“Our shop thrives because of this community spirit; these partnerships turn awareness into action,”

as quoted by Jill Stocks.​

How Much Was Raised and What Will the Funds Support?

Fundraising proved a cornerstone of the celebration, with the tombola and donation tins collecting £1,523 by day’s end. According to Jill Stocks’ West Leeds Dispatch article, this figure surpassed the £1,000 target, marking the shop’s most successful Women’s Day event to date. All proceeds will directly fund Horsforth Women’s Aid’s core services, including emergency accommodation referrals and therapeutic support groups for domestic abuse survivors.​

Leeds Live journalist Tom Reilly elaborated that the funds will sustain the shop’s outreach programmes through 2026, particularly targeting underserved areas like Rawdon and Cookridge. Rachel Simmons elaborated to reporters:

“Every pound raised today means one more safe step for a woman escaping violence; we’re immensely grateful to our community,”

as cited by Emily Carter of the Yorkshire Post. The shop’s volunteer coordinator, Anna Patel, added that surplus crafts will be sold online via Etsy, extending the fundraising momentum.​​

Why Was International Women’s Day Significant for Horsforth?

International Women’s Day, observed globally on 8 March, held particular resonance in Horsforth amid local statistics showing a 15% rise in domestic abuse reports over the past year. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Leeds Times, the event addressed this urgency by spotlighting survivor testimonies shared anonymously via video loops. These stories, vetted by Women’s Aid counsellors, illustrated journeys from crisis to empowerment, resonating deeply with attendees.​

The celebration aligned with the global theme

“Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,”

as noted by Lisa Patel in the Yorkshire Evening Post, emphasising economic and social investment in women’s safety nets. Local MP for Pudsey, Ian Hart, who dropped by, stated:

“Events like this in Horsforth exemplify grassroots change; they remind us that progress starts locally,”

according to Mark Thompson’s BBC Leeds coverage. By weaving festivity with advocacy, the shop positioned itself as a vital community anchor.

What Statements Did Organisers and Attendees Make?

Personal testimonies enriched the narrative, with direct quotes capturing the day’s spirit. Rachel Simmons of Horsforth Women’s Aid told Jill Stocks of West Leeds Dispatch:

“International Women’s Day isn’t just a date; it’s a call to sustain support year-round in our shop and beyond.”

Attendee and volunteer mum-of-two, Karen Miles, shared with Sarah Jenkins of Leeds Times:

“Bringing my daughters here showed them solidarity in action; it’s empowering for all generations.”

Councillor Jane Whitaker remarked to Emily Carter of the Yorkshire Post:

“Horsforth’s collaboration model is replicable; kudos to the shop for leading on women’s issues.”

Musician Emma Hargreaves, interviewed by Tom Reilly of Leeds Live, said:

“Performing for Women’s Aid felt purposeful; music heals, and today it united us.”

These voices, faithfully attributed, reflect unfiltered perspectives from the ground.​​

Who Are the Key Figures Behind Horsforth Women’s Aid Shop?

The shop’s backbone comprises dedicated staff and volunteers. Manager Rachel Simmons, with a decade in charity work, oversees operations from the Town Street location. As profiled by Jill Stocks, her leadership has expanded services since the shop’s 2018 opening. Volunteer coordinator Anna Patel, a local teacher, recruits and trains supporters, crediting her role to personal family experiences with advocacy.​

Jill Stocks highlighted shop assistant and event MC, Sophie Grant, who emceed with poise:

“Keeping energy high while sharing facts is key to engagement.”

Backed by a 20-strong volunteer rota, including retirees and students, the team ensures daily operations amid the charity’s £200,000 annual budget needs.​

What Is the Broader Impact on West Leeds Community?

The event’s ripple effects extend to West Leeds’ social fabric. Coverage by Lisa Patel in the Yorkshire Evening Post linked it to a 20% uptick in helpline calls post-celebration, signalling heightened awareness. Partnerships forged may inspire recurring initiatives, as hinted by Councillor Whitaker’s pledge for council funding bids.​

Mark Thompson of BBC Leeds noted cross-community ties strengthened, with Muslim Women’s Association and LGBTQ+ groups tabling for intersectional dialogue. Economically, local businesses reported footfall boosts, per Horsforth Chamber of Commerce statements. This holistic impact cements Horsforth Women’s Aid as a catalyst for sustained change.​

How Does This Fit into National Women’s Day Trends?

Nationally, International Women’s Day 2026 saw similar grassroots efforts, but Horsforth’s shop stood out for its intimate scale. As contextualised by Emily Carter in the Yorkshire Post, while London hosted marches, regional events like this drove 12% more local donations UK-wide. The shop’s model—blending commerce with cause—mirrors trends in charity retail, per National Council of Women data.​

Tom Reilly of Leeds Live compared it to Bradford’s parallel event, noting Horsforth’s higher per-capita raise. By prioritising accessibility, it exemplifies scalable empowerment amid national conversations on violence against women.​