Fortuna Female Society expands Woman:Kind Café to Runcorn

Fortuna Female Society has announced the expansion of its Woman:Kind Café service, extending provision into Runcorn from February 2026.

Woman:Kind Café is a confidential peer-support space for women affected by domestic abuse, past or present. Alongside peer support, the café provides signposting to other local support services in Halton. Fortuna Female Society can also refer women on to trauma-informed counselling sessions.

Woman:Kind Café already runs twice per month at Widnes Library. The new Runcorn sessions build on the existing service, extending access across the borough.

From February 2026, sessions will run as follows:

Runcorn: Halton Lea Library, every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month

Widnes: Widnes Library, continuing every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month

The expansion increases access while maintaining existing provision in Widnes.

Laura Bevan, Chair of Fortuna Female Society, told That's Health: “We are seeing a growing need for safe spaces where women can talk, be listened to, and be guided towards the right support when they need it. Expanding Woman:Kind Café into Runcorn allows us to meet that need more effectively across Halton."

Laura added: "Everything we do is rooted in our mission of creating safe spaces for women to connect, rise and thrive.”

Fortuna Female Society is a registered charity (Charity Number 1213200) working across Halton to create supportive spaces for women through a wide range of groups, activities, and support services. These include peer-support cafés, wellbeing sessions, creative activities, and opportunities for connection and confidence-building.

More information about Fortuna Female Society and its activities is available on its website at: https://fortunafemale.org

Well Woman Weekends Launched to Support Halton Women this Month

Fortuna Female Society has announced a new programme of Well Woman Weekends, launching this month, January, following clear feedback from women across Halton asking for more accessible support.

The charity’s recent community consultation and online survey highlighted a strong call for daytime and weekend activities, alongside opportunities to relax, reduce stress and build confidence. 

Women also asked for practical sessions that fit around real life, without pressure or cost barriers.

In response, Fortuna Female Society trialled a number of additional activities in the run-up to Christmas. 

These were well attended and received positive feedback, prompting the charity to expand the programme into a dedicated January offer.

January is often a challenging time for many women, with long weeks, financial pressure after Christmas and fewer opportunities to pause and recharge. Well Woman Weekends have been designed to offer practical, welcoming activities during this period.

The January programme includes:

Women’s Meditation Circle, returning by popular demand

Your Wellbeing Toolkit Workshop, a new practical session hosted by The Wellbeing Lady, focusing on simple tools to support mental and emotional health

Relaxing Sound Bath, a new session hosted by The Raven Tree, using sound to support rest and renewal

Women’s Self-Defence Course, a new short course focused on awareness, movement and practical skills in a women-only setting

Laura Bevan, Chair of Fortuna Female Society, told That's Health: “January can be a tough month, and financial pressure can feel isolating. So many women told us they want time and space to relax and connect with other women. Well Woman Weekends are about offering that space, giving women a chance to slow down, feel supported, and take part in something that feels good for them.”

All Well Woman Weekend activities are free to attend, with donations welcomed to help support Fortuna Female Society’s ongoing work across Halton.

Places can be booked via the Fortuna Female Society website at www.fortunafemale.org/event-directory