Community Action Network (CAN) has chosen BCHA’s Bournemouth Women’s Refuge as its Community Hero in the Spotlight for March.  

With International Women’s Day approaching on Tuesday 8 March, CAN wanted to mark the occasion by celebrating a charity that does so much for the women of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.  

International Women’s Day – #IWD22 – is a global event to commemorate the cultural, political, and socio-economic achievements of women. This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias to encourage a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. 

To celebrate International Women’s Day, BCHA will be hosting activities in Bournemouth Square with J.P. Morgan to support a sponsored Big Sleep Out event. Following an afternoon and evening of guest speakers, poetry, yoga, music, and meditation, colleagues will be sleeping outside in the Square to raise funds and awareness of domestic abuse, violence against women, bias and discrimination. The activities will all take place on Tuesday 8 March. 

Rhianon Argent, Project Lead at Bournemouth Refuge & BCP Domestic abuse outreach support, has been organising the event and will be taking part. She commented: “I am usually in bed by 9pm in a comfy bed so I am honoured to be giving this up as am aware how privileged I am and to show solidarity to women living in our communities and across the world. We want to celebrate what it is to be a woman today and be inspired by each other stories of survival.”  

Lottie Forte, Senior Associate in Community Relations at J.P. Morgan said: “J.P. Morgan is committed to empowering all women, whether that’s our employees or in local communities around the world. 

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with and support BCHA in delivering a meaningful event within our local community on such an important day.” 

Timings for activities during the International Women’s Day event will be confirmed closer to 8 March via social media and the BCHA website. If you would like to donate please click on link below.  

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bchabigsleepout