Leicestershire Women's Walking Community Awarded £8,000 for Enhanced Safety Initiatives
A rapidly expanding women's walking group based in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, has successfully secured £8,000 in funding to introduce a comprehensive new programme designed to increase safety and confidence for women walking outdoors. The organisation, known as Women Only Walks (WOW), which now connects more than 2,000 women across the county, will utilise this financial support to implement first aid training, provide safety equipment, and offer structured guidance tailored to walkers of all experience levels.
Funding Sources and Programme Details
The group has been granted a combined total of £6,000 from Harborough District Council's Ward Improvement Grant, along with an additional £2,000 from Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity. This funding will facilitate the launch of the WOW Safer Walking Programme, which aims to implement practical measures to enhance confidence, accessibility, and safety for women participating in local walks, with a particular emphasis on activities in the Little Bowden area.
The programme will encompass several key components:
- Outdoor first aid training for volunteer walk leaders and members
- Safety equipment such as first aid kits and visibility lights
- Structured walking guidance to ensure inclusivity and support for all participants
Community Impact and Leadership Perspectives
Founder Jemma Redden expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: "WOW has always been about creating a space where women feel safe, welcome and connected. This funding allows us to take that one step further. It's not just about walking. It's about confidence, community and knowing you're not on your own. The Safer Walking Programme will help remove barriers for women who might otherwise feel unsure about joining a walk, while giving our community the tools to look out for each other."
Councillor David Page and Councillor Stuart Finan, who combined their Ward Grants to support the programme, commented: "We combined our Ward Grants to support this worthwhile programme because women should be able to walk locally with confidence and without fear. WOW delivers practical measures, from training to safety equipment, for a growing community of over 2,000 women. This is the right investment for our wives, daughters, mothers, aunts and friends across Market Harborough."
Growth and Future Development
Since its inception, WOW has successfully united women from across Harborough and beyond, offering regular walks, social events, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. The new Safer Walking Programme builds upon this solid foundation, creating a scalable model that can be shared and further developed as the community continues to expand.
Jemma Redden added: "This community is what it is because of the women in it. This funding is for them. It's about supporting each other, building confidence and making sure every woman feels she has a place here." Additional details regarding the Safer Walking Programme will be communicated to the WOW community in the upcoming weeks.
