International Women’s Day 2024: Meet the Award-Winning Yorkshire Teams Supporting Women on Probation

• The Creating Future Opportunities (CFO) Activity Hubs provide a safe space where people on probation can engage in a range of social, creative, and group activities.
• The purpose of the Hubs is to promote participant wellbeing and social reintegration.
• To mark International Women’s Day (IWD), the teams hosted wellbeing events in Sheffield and York for female participants.

Today is International Women’s Day. To mark the occasion, we are celebrating the teams at the Creating Opportunities (CFO) Yorkshire Activity Hubs, who go the extra mile to make a positive difference to the lives of women on probation.

Since opening their doors in 2021, the CFO Yorkshire Activity Hubs have provided a safe space where people on probation can engage in a range of social, creative, and group activities while accessing a range of support. Their dedicated teams – two thirds of whom are women – help individuals overcome barriers in areas such as education, skills, and employability.

Recognised for their outstanding commitment to supporting people on probation, the teams have won a number of awards, most recently the CFO Women's Award for their specialised workshops supporting women on probation in South Yorkshire.

International Women’s Day Celebrations

As part of the International Women's Day celebrations, the Sheffield and York Hub teams organised special events for their female participants, providing an opportunity to come together, share their experiences, and focus on wellbeing.

Hosted by all-female CFO team members and partners, participants enjoyed a range of art and wellbeing activities, from cross stitching and glass painting to make-up and self-care workshops.

Empowering Women Participants

Teigan Higgins, Service Manager at the CFO Yorkshire Activity Hubs, is an important driving force behind the support provided for women.

Teigan said: “The women we meet come from different backgrounds and have often faced many challenges in their lives before they come to us, so it’s vital that we provide a welcoming and non-judgemental space where they can feel safe, and we can provide tailored support.

“Part of that support is to empower them, so it’s important for us to celebrate events such as International Women’s Day which help inspire, spark important conversations, and build confidence.”

The teams’ dedication to fostering the wellbeing of women on probation continues to create a brighter and more inclusive future for participants at the Hubs.

Teigan continued: “As well as supporting participants, it’s a privilege to work alongside so many wonderful female colleagues. Our teams give it their all day-in, day-out and I’m proud of the work they have put in to create an environment where women can thrive and build a positive future.”

Find Out More

Get in touch with the Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs to learn about a range of tailored support, including one-to-one advice, guidance, and group work. The service aims to help people on probation reintegrate into society. 

For more information, visit the CFO Activity Hubs page. 

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