WISH North East Marks International Women’s Day with Celebration, Community Giving, and Support for Local Charities

This year’s event brought together women from across the housing profession to network, build connections, and celebrate the many contributions women make to the region’s housing landscape.

Hosted at the iconic Crowne Plaza in Newcastle, the event has grown to become a highlight of the WISH North East calendar. Members gathered to share experiences, develop meaningful professional relationships, and reflect on the ongoing progress and challenges facing women in housing.

In keeping with its long-standing ethos of social purpose, WISH North East integrated charitable giving into the occasion, placing community impact at the heart of the celebration. Attendees collectively raised over £800 for Feeding Families, a North East charity offering vital practical support to families and individuals experiencing hardship. The strong response from members reflects both the generosity of the region’s housing professionals and their shared commitment to supporting the communities they serve.

Further reinforcing the spirit of giving, the Crowne Plaza donated a £200 gift voucher to WISH North East. This month, the voucher was used to purchase 21 Christmas gifts for Norah’s North Pole, a much-loved local charity dedicated to ensuring children and young people who might otherwise receive nothing at Christmas are able to experience the joy of a festive gift. The presents have now been delivered to Norah’s North Pole HQ, where Santa and his volunteer team will ensure they reach families in need across the region.

Jayne Lawson, Chair of WISH North East, said:
“We are exceptionally proud of the work we do to support our members to network and learn from each other. The fact that we can then support local charities who in turn support many people living in our homes is something that drives all our voluntary Board Members to continue finding opportunities where we can give back a little. Creating spaces where women can connect professionally while also strengthening our wider communities is at the heart of what we do.”

Looking Ahead to International Women’s Day 2026

Planning is already underway for the 2026 event, where the theme “Give to Gain” will guide both the celebration and its charitable focus. WISH North East will once again be supporting Feeding Families, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to building community connections that extend well beyond the workplace.

Bookings for IWD 2026 will shortly be open, with members, partners, and sector colleagues encouraged to secure their place early.
To pre-register, please contact [email protected].

ABOUT WISH NORTH EAST

WISH (Women in Social Housing) North East is part of the UK-wide WISH network, dedicated to supporting women working across the housing sector through connection, collaboration, and professional development. The North East region offers regular events, learning opportunities, and peer support, helping members strengthen their networks and build confidence, skills, and leadership capability.

WISH North East is led by a voluntary board of women who are passionate about empowering colleagues across the sector and contributing positively to the communities housing organisations serve.

To find out more about WISH North East please conact Jayne Lawson: [email protected]

For WISH media enquiries: [email protected]

To discuss becoming a WISH member or sponsor: [email protected]