WISH Yorkshire & Humberside: Creating Conditions for Growth

The theme of this year's Summer newsletter, "Rewilding – Learning to Embrace the Path Unknown", resonates strongly with the journey WISH Yorkshire & Humberside is taking across our region.

Rewilding is about creating the conditions for growth rather than controlling every outcome. It is about trusting the journey, embracing change and nurturing opportunities that may not yet be fully visible. Across Yorkshire & Humberside, our activities over the past year and our programme for 2026/27 reflect exactly that approach.

Before looking ahead, it is important to recognise some of the meaningful conversations and connections already created. Earlier this year we hosted a powerful event exploring homelessness and its disproportionate impact on women. The session was both insightful and emotional, encouraging honest discussion about the challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. It reminded us that meaningful change begins with understanding, empathy and a willingness to challenge our perspectives.

We also celebrated International Women's Day at Vico Homes, bringing women together to recognise achievements, share experiences and inspire one another. The event reinforced the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, reflect and support each other's growth.

Rewilding is also about renewal. This year we have welcomed new board members, bringing fresh perspectives and energy while building on the experience and expertise already within the team. Together, we now have a strong board of skilled and passionate women from across the social housing sector, united by a shared commitment to supporting women throughout our region.

Looking ahead, our programme continues that journey of growth.

Our participation in the UKReiiF Conference and WISH fringe events provided opportunities for women to broaden networks, increase visibility and engage with new ideas. These events help plant the seeds for future collaboration and strengthen connections across the sector.

Our Manchester event, Breaking Down Barriers in Non-Traditional Areas, reflects the spirit of rewilding by encouraging women to explore opportunities beyond traditional career pathways and challenge perceived limitations.

The joint Yorkshire & Humberside and Midlands event focused on New Skills recognised that the future of housing is constantly evolving. While we cannot always predict what skills will be needed tomorrow, we can create opportunities for learning, development and confidence-building today.

Our involvement in the CIH Housing Community Summit and WISH fringe event extends these conversations to a wider audience, ensuring women's voices continue to help shape the future of housing.

The planned Social Value event demonstrates another important aspect of rewilding: creating positive impact within our communities. Just as rewilding creates stronger ecosystems, social value initiatives help build stronger, more resilient places where people can thrive.

As we move towards our Christmas event, International Women's Day 2027 celebrations and our Careers Collaboration event with the North West and Midlands regions, we continue to focus on connection, mentoring, leadership and supporting the next generation of women in housing.

Collectively, our programme represents a winding path rather than a straight line. Each event is a stepping stone, and each participant contributes to the landscape we are creating together. Along the way, we hope to plant flowers in the form of confidence, skills, collaboration, opportunity, inclusion, social value and leadership.

While we may not always know exactly where the path will lead, we are committed to creating the conditions for women across Yorkshire & Humberside to grow, thrive and shape the future of our sector together.