The women’s support sector continues to evolve, with organisations across the UK finding new ways to respond to changing needs, strengthen services and amplify women’s voices. Over the summer, several key events and developments highlighted the sector’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion and long-term change.
Learning from the Rosa Conference
In June 2026, Clare attended the Rosa Conference, where organisations shared how they are adapting their services to better support women and girls.
A key theme was the growing recognition that coercive control can extend beyond intimate partners and involve wider family members, such as mothers-in-law or grandmothers. Some organisations are therefore broadening their approach to understanding and addressing harmful behaviours within families.
Speakers also shared how services are adapting to meet the needs of diverse communities. Examples included creating women-only spaces while offering outreach support to gender-diverse people who identify as women, and working alongside girls through co-produced research and campaigning. Rather than speaking on behalf of young people, organisations are increasingly equipping girls with the tools and confidence to shape the change they want to see.
Another important discussion focused on women’s health and wellbeing, including the impact of menopause. Organisations highlighted the importance of recognising that anxiety, exhaustion and reduced confidence are not signs of disengagement or poor performance, but experiences that require understanding, support and empowerment.
Funding Opportunities on the Horizon
Representatives from several funders shared updates on current and upcoming opportunities for the sector.
The Big Give Women’s and Girls’ Match Fund continues to demonstrate the power of match funding, encouraging donors to give more by doubling the impact of their contributions.
The Henry Smith Foundation announced a new fund launching in September, focusing on long-term, trauma-informed counselling for survivors of domestic abuse.
Meanwhile, Rosa is preparing to launch the latest Voices from the Frontline programme this autumn, and the Sebba Charitable Foundation highlighted its support for new organisations, pilot projects and initiatives that drive systems-level change.
Why Data Still Matters
A strong message throughout the conference was the importance of collecting meaningful data. Beyond statistics, data helps organisations tell the real stories behind women’s experiences, demonstrate need and ensure communities are visible within policy, research and national strategies.
Without robust evidence, many groups risk remaining unseen and underserved. As one speaker reflected, one of the world’s most underutilised resources remains women themselves, highlighting the importance of investing in their voices, talents and leadership.
Bringing the Sector Together
In July, Women’s Aid held its national in-person conference, bringing together professionals from across the sector with a focus on unity, collaboration and innovation.
Our customer LAWRS (Latin American Women’s Rights Service) contributed to a panel discussion exploring progress and challenges five years after the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act, helping to spotlight the experiences of migrant women and the importance of inclusive support services.
Raising Awareness of Hidden Abuse
A new national campaign, “Enough“, has launched to help people recognise forms of abuse that can sometimes be difficult to identify.
The campaign highlights how controlling behaviour can be disguised as care, and how manipulation can be mistaken for love. By challenging these misconceptions, the campaign aims to improve public understanding of unhealthy and abusive behaviours before they escalate.
Other Sector News
Recent news has confirmed that rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming offences will remain excluded from proposed sentencing changes currently being discussed nationally.
Meanwhile, Women for Refugee Women has produced a trauma-informed guide for professionals supporting survivors of torture, helping frontline workers better understand and respond to the complex experiences of women seeking safety and recovery.
Looking Ahead
Across the sector, there is a clear focus on listening more closely to women’s experiences, strengthening evidence and data, and designing services that reflect the realities of the communities they support. Whether through innovation, funding opportunities or public awareness campaigns, the message is clear: meaningful change happens when women’s voices are heard and acted upon.
Photo by Melanie Kanzler on Unsplash
