Empowering Women in Stockport

Wave of Change

A personal, flexible programme for change, connection and purpose.

Wave of Change* is a uniquely tailored development programme for women in the Stockport borough who are ready to move forward in life, learning or work.

Run by The Goodness Collective, in partnership with PIE (Pursuing Individual  Excellence), the programme supports each woman to reflect, re-connect and build the confidence, skills and peer network to make the next step.

*Currently funded by the UK Government / WEA funding stream.

Why it matters

Many women find themselves facing a combination of barriers: unemployment or under-employment, caring commitments, health challenges, social isolation or uncertainty about their next move.

Wave of Change works on the principle that each woman’s path is unique.  We avoid “one-size-fits-all” delivery.

Instead, we meet each woman where she is, recognise her strengths, and work with her to personalise the journey.

Who we reach

  • Women living in Stockport.

  • Women who are currently unemployed or under-employed, returning to work, considering a new direction, or simply seeking more connection and a stronger future.

  • Women who want more than “just a course” – they want to work with a team that will adapt the offer to them, listen to what matters, and build a realistic next step.

Our Impact

We are now into our 12th programme.

Over 250 women in Stockport have taken part.

An average of 20 women in each programme group.

Many alumni have gone on to training, volunteering, and employment.

Alumni also have reported improved confidence, digital skills and a stronger social network.

What sets Wave of Change apart

  • Personalised experience: Each cohort is kept to around 20 women so that we can work with each individual.

  • Flexible format: Though many cohorts run over 12 weeks, the exact duration adjusts with funder requirements, delivery mode (in-person, blended or online) and women’s needs.

  • Tailored content: We draw on modules including confidence & wellbeing, digital skills, career awareness, community connection and mentoring. But we adapt the elements to fit the group and the individual.

  • Group mentoring & guest speakers: Beyond workshop-style learning, participants benefit from peer mentoring, guest speakers and a network of women who’ve been there and done that.

  • Connection, not just content: We emphasise creating a peer network, community links and supportive relationships NOT just “tick all the learning boxes”.

Get involved with Wave of Change

As a sponsor - You can sponsor a space for an individual woman for £1000.  Helping us to reach even more women in our locality

Offer of support - you can help out with rooms, catering, goodies, stationery and even gifted workshop or speaker slots offers.  Occasionally we do have paid options for external delivery and we choose to use this budget with partners who have supported us and been part of our projects.  Often re-investing in the women who have been through the programme too.

As a participant - We accept expressions of interest ahead of each new cohort. If you or someone you know is a woman in Stockport ready to make a change, please get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation chat to see if this programme is the right fit.