A CHARITY that works to support vulnerable women has opened a new shop and hub - back at the place where the project was first conceived nine years ago in Leamington.
Volunteers and specially invited guests gathered on Wednesday December 9 to mark the launch of the pre-loved shop, women's hub, workspace and counselling room which has been 18 months in the planning.
The unit, in Gloucester Street, is an extension of The Esther Project, a CiC established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023, followed by Esther House, a seven-bed supported living accommodation. A new drop-off point on the same street has also opened to help keep the shop stocked with pre-loved goods.
The space, the original home of the early concept Esther Group in 2016,, can offer a full programme of support, training, and employability opportunities - from counselling sessions in the dedicated therapy room, to creative workshops and trauma-informed courses in the hub, and barista training and cooking classes in the kitchen. The women can also gain hands-on retail and customer service experience as supported volunteers in the pre-loved shop, helping them build confidence and new skills for the future.
Cutting the ribbon on both the shop and hub spaces were lord lieutenant Tim Cox, deputy lieutenant Clare Sawdon and high sheriff Karen Lynch.
Mr Cox said: "We are very keen to support what Lianne and the fundraising team are doing. Thank you to the volunteers and everyone whose help has meant we have the foundations now for this project and we need to make sure it continues to grow."
Lianne's mission is to create, nurture and empower a community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions. Esther House offers vulnerable women a safe space to recover.
Lianne added: "This marks a meaningful return to the very building where The Esther Group first began back in 2016, making the launch feel like a true homecoming. The hub has been created as a women-only space offering vital access to support, group workshops and therapeutic counselling. It will also provide hands-on opportunities for women to gain confidence and build skills in retail, barista work, baking, sewing and other skills."
The Esther Project is a gender-specific initiative supporting women facing mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison, or experiencing homelessness.
Until now, The Esther Project has operated primarily through a weekly drop-in session at All Saints Parish Church each Monday, alongside remote support, workshops, and training delivered off-site.
A timetable of courses is being planned including Kintsugi, yoga, skincare, trauma courses and wellbeing sessions.
The shop and drop-off points, at number 6 and 12 Gloucester Street, are open between 10am and 4pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays.