Looking Back on Women’s History Month: Leaders Making a Difference

Celebrating Women Leading Community Change Across the VCSE Sector

This International Women’s Day, and throughout Women’s History Month, we have been really proud at HEY Smile Foundation to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible women leading change across our VCSE sector here in the Humber.

These stories only scratch the surface, but they reflect something we see every day. Passionate, committed women are driving forward work that makes a real difference in their communities. From grassroots initiatives to established community spaces, each of these leaders brings a unique perspective, but they all share the same commitment to people and place.

We have seen this through Seonaid Atkinson at Hedon Methodist Church, where inclusive spaces are helping people feel connected and supported. We have also seen it through Leanne at Mires Beck, where the link between nature, wellbeing and community is clear. Linda Stross’s work at As Time Goes By Café is another strong example, creating welcoming environments that help tackle loneliness and bring people together.

Janet and Genie at The Moorlands in Goole, alongside the work of Carla Dixon, highlight the importance of truly listening to communities. Their approach places community voice at the centre, creating opportunities for people to connect, share their experiences and access the support they need. Across all of these stories, what stands out most is the strength of relationships, the depth of local knowledge and a genuine commitment to empowering others.

Patricia work at Oldroyd’s Corner is another powerful example of community development in action. Through her role as Secretary and Volunteer Co-ordinator, she has helped create a space where people can build confidence, connect with others and develop new skills. Her passion for supporting volunteers, particularly seeing people grow in confidence, really reflects the heart of what the VCSE sector is about.

What has also come through strongly is the advice these women would give. The importance of collaboration, staying authentic, and continuing even when things feel challenging has been a common theme. None of this work happens in isolation, and their stories are a powerful reminder of the value of working together.

Of course, we know there are many more amazing women across our sector whose work deserves recognition. We simply could not reach everyone within the time we had. If that is you, or someone you work with, please do get in touch. We would love to continue shining a spotlight on the brilliant work happening across our communities.

For now, we hope you will take a few moments to read the full stories and be inspired by the impact these women are making every day.