The Oldham Women’s Network was formed in 2020, with the purpose of bringing together Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector groups and organisations who deliver women-centred support.
The network provides a space for groups to collaborate on improving access to support for all women in Oldham, and to strengthen the voice of women in Oldham to influence and create change. Action Together coordinate and facilitate the network, however the network will be lead and owned by the members of the network.
This week, the Oldham Women's Network joined millions of people by celebrating International Women's Day, recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year IWD celebrates 115 years of action with all who care about gender equality, celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, and taking action to forge gender parity.
The theme for 2026 is 'Give to Gain', focused on encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Members of the Oldham Women's Network shared what they have contributed and taken from the network, check out our video!
Meet our members!
Some members of the Oldham Women's Network shared details of their organisations which provide support services catered specifically towards the women of Oldham. Click their profiles to find out more and how you can get in touch!
SHF: Shared Health Foundation
The Crib at John Street works with women and families within the Homeless journey in Oldham.
We ensure access to primary care and maternity services are supported as women navigate unstable housing.
We provide one to one support and aim to mitigate the impact poverty plays on health inequalities.
Shared Health Foundation is philanthropically funded and works to influence and change policy at a National level.
We are part of the GMCA baby bank network and support at crisis points when families enter into emergency accommodation and into temporary accommodation ensuring every baby under the age of 2 yrs has a safe place to sleep and parents are offered support if needed until they enter a local authority tenancy.
- Angie Ouattara, Maternal Health Lead
UKEFF: UK Education & Faith Foundation
Women in Oldham receive holistic, trauma-informed support, particularly those facing abuse, poverty, housing insecurity, poor health, or caring pressures. We provide practical help—food, emergency funds, advocacy, and referrals—while creating a safe, respectful space that builds trust and supports long-term stability, especially for women experiencing language or cultural barriers.
This work is deeply rewarding and purposeful, and it has significantly shaped my personal and professional growth. It has strengthened my sense of responsibility to the local community while enabling me to develop advanced skills in safeguarding, assessment, advocacy, and multi-agency working. Supporting individuals with limited English and complex social needs has enhanced my cultural awareness, communication skills, and confidence in managing challenging situations. Most importantly, it is fulfilling to know that my work makes a meaningful, lasting difference for individuals and families at critical times.
I would advocate for more sustained, women-centred support in Oldham that goes beyond short-term crisis aid. This should include trauma-informed, multicultural support in languages women understand, accessible mental health services, help with poverty, and reducing social isolation, along with ongoing access to advocacy and childcare, to improve long-term outcomes and prevent repeated crises.
Support is available via our website Ukeff.org/help, email enquiries@ukeff.org.uk, phone 0161 660 6818, or professional referrals. We aim to make access easy and welcoming, especially for those seeking help during times of stress or vulnerability.
- Hafizan Zaman, Co-Founder
KOGS: Keeping Our Girls Safe
Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS) works with women and girls impacted by grooming and sexual exploitation. We offer support in the form of counselling, 121s, mentoring and group sessions.
The work is rewarding in that I feel like making a difference to just one persons life makes it all worthwhile.
I would improve the out of hours services and support available for women who are in crisis. Lots of mainstream services are only available mon-fri 9/5pm but life happens beyond the parameters of the traditional working day. In 2026 service provision should reflect this.
Visit our website: www.kogs.org.uk
- Hayley, CEO
Action Together: .
As Coordinator of the Oldham Women’s Network, I bring people together. My role is to create a safe, connected and inclusive space where women’s voices are heard, valued and amplified. I support collaboration across organisations, strengthen relationships, and help ensure that the experiences of women in our communities shape real change. By giving my time, energy and commitment to this network, I hope to empower others, open doors for shared learning, and champion the collective strength we gain when we lift each other up.
- Judith Nyanjowa, Partnerships and Collaboration Coordinator
OPAL : Oldham Personal Advocacy Limited
OPAL supports adults with learning disabilities and autistic people across Oldham.
As CEO, I’m proud that our long-standing women’s group, led by dedicated staff and social work students, has been a safe, creative and welcoming space for over 20 years. Women who attend gain friendship, confidence, social connection and the chance to learn new skills, talk openly, and hear about topics that matter to them with someone always there to listen.
If I could use my voice to bring one improvement for women in Oldham, it would be ensuring that all women with additional needs have free, accessible spaces where they can connect, be creative and feel truly heard.
Visit our website: OPAL Advocacy
- Michelle Anderson, CEO
Peaceful Minds : CIC
Peaceful Minds CIC strengthens Oldham by offering one‑to‑one Counselling, Coaching, Family and Group therapy, wellbeing training, befriending opportunities, practical therapeutic advocacy, reduces isolation and helps people navigate challenges such as welfare rights and domestic abuse. Women in Oldham benefit through safe, confidential support that builds confidence, improves mental and physical health, and empowers them to rebuild stability and independence.
Through my work I gain a deep sense of purpose, connection, and pride in seeing individuals and families grow stronger with the right support.
If I could use my voice for one improvement, it would be ensuring every woman in Oldham has equal, stigma‑free access to trauma‑informed services that truly meet her needs.
Anyone wishing to reach us can contact our team directly by:
- Phone: 07794159547
- Email: peacefulmindscic@outlook.com
- Or a referral to access support.
- Skina Hussain, Founder and Director
REEL: CIC
🌟 Happy International Women's Day! 🌟
REEL CIC is proud to be a women-led organisation in Oldham, championing women, and girls for 9 incredible years! 💪 We've campaigned, raised awareness, and created positive spaces for women to feel safe, learn & flourish
This year's theme, #GiveAndGain, resonates deeply with us. We've been giving back to our community from the start and proud of our REEL Rack project who has responded with clothing support for women and their families. Supporting them feel comfortable, confident and empowered. We gain so much from communities making clothing donations, sharing our links, and supporting our work every step of the way.
Our work is purposeful, impactful, and makes a real difference. Thank you to our amazing team and community for your support! 🙏 Here's to empowering women, girls, and creating a brighter future! 💖 #IWD2026 #WomenInAction #OldhamStrong #REELCIC.
You can contact us at:
- info@reelcic.co.uk
- Www.reflective.co.uk
- Or follow us on social media @reelcic
SAWN: Support and Action for Women’s Network
Here at Support and Action for Women’s Network (SAWN) we support Black African women in our community to help them thrive and become independent and confident individuals.
SAWN work predominantly with Black African women and families, who are first generation immigrants in the UK. These families are a minority within the BAME community, especially in Oldham. Many of whom are living with poor mental health and physical health.
We are very proud to provide a space for women to be brave and vulnerable. Women tell us that SAWN is a safe space where they are not judged and they no longer have to suffer in silence.
Our services have grown and developed and we are now able to offer a variety of opportunities, support groups and services to help our sisters flourish.
Here at SAWN we work with other organisations to provide a wide variety of services and projects to engage with our community. Through our work we aim to break down barriers and create inclusivity. We support women to have a voice promoting inclusion and equity.
Where to find us:
The Oldham Women’s Network are working towards holding themed meeting to focus on shared actions and skill sharing, as well as developing their connections with local businesses.
This International Women’s Day, the Oldham Women’s Network are opening their doors and encouraging groups and organisations in Oldham who are led by women and/ or whose work is women-centred to join them at their next meeting.
Collectively, members support thousands of women across Oldham every year, offering community-based services and championing the voices of women. The Oldham Women’s Network want to ensure this continues to grow and the incredible work of it’s members are felt far and wide.
Men are also welcome to join the Oldham Women's Network if their organisation offers support to women in Oldham.
Click the button below for more information on the Oldham Women's Network.
Join Our Network
If you are interested in joining the Oldham Women’s Network and strengthening the voice of women in the community, email Judith Nyanjowa, Partnerships and Collaborations Coordinator
