African Women Support Network · Our programmes
Ladies’ Weekly Drop-In
Connect · Learn · Grow · Feel supported
About the Ladies’ Weekly Drop-In
The African Women Support Network (AWSN) Ladies’ Weekly Drop-In is a welcoming and inclusive community programme designed to empower women through social connection, skills development, employability support, personal growth, and improved mental health and wellbeing.
Our aim is to create a friendly and supportive space where women can meet new people, build meaningful friendships, learn new skills, share experiences, access information and advice, and explore opportunities for personal and professional development.
Through our weekly activities, we seek to reduce social isolation, strengthen community connections, build confidence, promote wellbeing, and support women to participate more fully in community life.
Who Can Attend?
The Ladies’ Weekly Drop-In is open to women from all backgrounds, particularly African women, migrant women, and women from ethnic minority communities who would benefit from friendship, social connection, learning, personal development, or community support.
Whether you are looking to meet new people, improve your skills, explore employment opportunities, support your mental health, or simply spend time in a welcoming environment, there is a place for you at AWSN.
Everyone is welcome. No appointment is needed.
What Do We Do During Our Drop-In Sessions?
Our sessions feature a variety of engaging, practical and interactive activities. Activities may vary each week depending on participants’ interests, needs and the programme schedule.
We provide opportunities for women to meet, make friends, share experiences, develop supportive relationships and build connections within the community. Our sessions help women feel welcomed, valued and less isolated.
We organise practical workshops and learning activities that help women develop new skills, discover their strengths, improve their knowledge and build confidence. Topics may include communication, leadership, digital skills, problem-solving and personal development.
We support women to explore employment, volunteering and training opportunities. Activities may include CV writing, job searching, interview preparation, workplace communication, understanding employer expectations and identifying pathways into employment.
We facilitate supportive discussions and activities around mental health, stress management, loneliness, emotional resilience, self-esteem and self-care. Our aim is to encourage positive wellbeing, reduce stigma and help women identify appropriate support services when needed.
We introduce accessible and enjoyable exercise and movement activities that encourage women to stay active, relax, improve their mood and prioritise their physical wellbeing.
Through guided discussions, group activities and practical exercises, women have opportunities to develop self-confidence, assertiveness, effective communication, decision-making, leadership and goal-setting skills.
We help women identify relevant information, community resources and support services relating to employment, education, volunteering, integration, wellbeing and everyday challenges. Where specialist assistance is required, we signpost participants to appropriate organisations and services.
We organise enjoyable activities such as arts and crafts, games, cultural sharing, group discussions and other creative experiences. These activities encourage participation, celebrate cultural diversity, promote relaxation and strengthen community relationships.
We encourage women to prioritise their health and wellbeing through discussions and activities on healthy lifestyles, self-care, work-life balance, managing everyday pressures and maintaining positive relationships.
We encourage women to share ideas, identify community needs, participate in group activities, develop their interests and explore opportunities to contribute to their communities. We believe every woman has strengths, experiences and talents that can benefit others.
What Does a Typical Thursday Look Like?
Our sessions are flexible and designed to create a balance between learning, social interaction and wellbeing.
- 11:00 am – 11:20 am: Welcome, refreshments and informal networking.
- 11:20 am – 11:35 am: Introductions, icebreakers and wellbeing check-in.
- 11:35 am – 12:20 pm: Weekly workshop, training or skills development session.
- 12:20 pm – 12:50 pm: Lunch and social connection.
- 12:50 pm – 1:25 pm: Practical activity, group discussion or gentle exercise.
- 1:25 pm – 1:50 pm: Information, advice, signposting and personal goal-setting.
- 1:50 pm – 2:00 pm: Feedback, announcements and closing reflections.
The programme may change to accommodate guest speakers, specialist workshops, community activities and the interests of participants.
Our Weekly Themes
To ensure that our sessions remain interesting, relevant and beneficial, we will introduce different themes throughout the month, including:
- Self-care, confidence and self-esteem.
- Mental health, stress management and resilience.
- CV writing, job searching and employability.
- Skills development, leadership and personal growth.
- Digital skills and effective communication.
- Healthy living, exercise and physical wellbeing.
- Cultural integration and community participation.
- Volunteering, entrepreneurship and career development.
- Financial awareness and everyday life skills.
- Healthy relationships, social support and belonging.
Our Expected Outcomes
Through the Ladies’ Weekly Drop-In, AWSN aims to:
- Reduce social isolation and loneliness among women.
- Build friendships, networks and a stronger sense of belonging.
- Improve confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.
- Increase access to skills development, training and employment support.
- Promote positive mental health and physical wellbeing.
- Improve awareness of local opportunities, services and resources.
- Encourage volunteering, leadership and community participation.
- Create opportunities for women to share their knowledge, experiences and talents.
Our Commitment
At African Women Support Network, we believe that every woman deserves to feel welcomed, respected, supported and empowered.
Our Ladies’ Weekly Drop-In is more than a place to meet. It is a space to connect, learn, grow, discover opportunities and build a stronger community together.
Join us every Thursday and become part of a supportive community where women encourage one another to thrive.
