Alana House celebrates International Women’s Day

Alana House celebrates International Women’s Day

A Reading based women’s community project is inviting people to come together for a special service to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Alana House, which supports and empowers women facing multiple disadvantages, is holding a service at the Reading Minster to celebrate the strength of women together.

The event, on Saturday 12th March at 3pm, will include a host of readers and performers including the Mayor of Reading and Reading Rock Choir.

After the service there will be delicious refreshments and cake provided by the fabulous team of baristas from Alana House’s community café.

This event will also be live streamed so anyone unable to attend in person will still be able to join in this special occasion.

Tickets to this event are free, but donations to Alana House are encouraged and, thanks to a partnership with The Big Give, any donations received will be doubled!

Based in Reading, and covering the Thames Valley area, the Alana House team provides a wide range of workshops, groups, one-to-one sessions, counselling and training courses to help local women make positive changes to their lives.

Their needs can range from debt, mental ill health, poor self-esteem, domestic abuse, employment skills, housing, addiction and education.

One woman supported by Alana House said: “To be honest, the way I was, if I hadn’t found Alana House I think something very bad would have happened.

“Everything was going wrong and I couldn’t see a way out, but I was determined and I got the help I needed to rebuild. Through doing that it has actually made me realise how strong I am and I am determined to do great things.”

Kathryn Warner, Head of Communities at PACT, said:

“Our Alana House project is a special place at the heart of our community. Alana House works as a team with women, staff and volunteers working together to achieve incredible outcomes.

“Our annual International Women’s Day service is a perfect way we can come together to show our support for the women in our community.”

PACT’s Chief Executive Natausha van Vliet added:

“It costs around £230,000 per year to provide this vital support and all of these costs are met through donations and fundraising. Our services enable women to make very real and profound changes in their lives.

“As a small charity we appreciate all the support and donations we receive to help us continue our crucial work. Our International Women’s Day service is such a lovely event and we are really looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating the amazing women in our lives together.”

To find out more and book your ticket: www.pactcharity.org/IWD