Feeding Families launches Women Who Rise 2026 during International Women’s Day week
Feeding Families has announced the return of its women’s event, Women Who Rise, set to take place on 5th June 2026 at Wynyard Hall, bringing together more than 200 women from across the North East for an afternoon of inspiration, connection and empowerment.
Now in its fourth year, the event has become a powerful platform celebrating the resilience, ambition and achievements of women across the region, while raising vital funds to support families experiencing food insecurity.
The launch of this year’s event coincides with International Women’s Day week and its theme of “Give to Gain” – a message that aligns closely with the purpose of Women Who Rise. The event encourages women and businesses across the region to come together, share experiences, and support one another while also helping Feeding Families continue its work supporting people in crisis.
Based in the North East, one of the regions most affected by food insecurity in the UK -Feeding Families provides dignified and compassionate support to thousands of individuals and families each year through a network of schools, charities and community organisations.
Funds raised through Women Who Rise help ensure that Feeding Families can continue delivering essential food support and practical help to those who need it most.
Our inspirational speakers:
Claire Goodliff, founder of Show Up Club. Claire founded the movement to empower women to show up for themselves and their ambitions, creating spaces where women support each other to grow, build confidence and pursue fulfilling lives. There will be more speakers announced shortly.
Nicola Wood, The Wonderful Wig Co. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, Nicola Wood founded The Wonderful Wig Company in 2016 to offer bespoke hair solutions for medical hair loss. Nicola’s helped over 10,000 people and won entrepreneurs forum impact award in 2025.
Susan French, Crew Gal. Susan. Susan is the founder of CREW GAL, a creative production, training and consultancy agency supporting live events and video production, while creating opportunities for people to enter and thrive in the industry.
The afternoon will be hosted by Ingrid Johnson, with additional guest speakers set to be announced in the coming weeks.
As well as celebrating the stories and journeys of women from across the region, the event also creates opportunities for connection and mentorship, bringing together women at every stage of their careers - from apprentices and entrepreneurs to business leaders and community champions.
Crucially, sponsorship of the event also ensures that supported places are available for women who may not otherwise be able to attend, helping remove financial barriers and open doors to opportunity, inspiration and meaningful networks.
Rachel Lister of Feeding Families said the event reflects the organisation’s belief that communities become stronger when people lift one another up.
“Women Who Rise is about more than a single afternoon. It’s about creating a space where women feel encouraged, inspired and supported — while also raising vital funds that help Feeding Families support families facing food insecurity across our region.”
Tickets for Women Who Rise are £40, with tables of 10 available for £500. A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses looking to support the event while demonstrating their commitment to women’s empowerment and community impact.
More information and tickets are available at:
feedingfamilies.org.uk/womenwhorise
