UniteHer Programme Supports Women’s Safety and Careers in Leeds

New initiative offers self-defence and career development for women and girls

More than 1,000 women and girls across Leeds are set to benefit from the UniteHer programme, a project designed to improve safety, wellbeing and career opportunities. The initiative is being co-led by Leeds City College’s Public Services department and Innovation and Development team, in partnership with community organisation CATCH Leeds.

Focus on confidence, safety and career pathways

Funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safer Communities Fund, UniteHer aims to build confidence and create career pathways for women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable or underrepresented backgrounds. The programme includes sessions on boxing, yoga and self-defence, alongside workshops addressing mental health, employability and overall wellbeing.

The emphasis on self-defence responds to a reported 37 per cent increase in violence against girls and women across England and Wales over the past five years. The programme seeks to empower participants to feel safer and more confident in both personal and professional settings.

Community collaboration and tailored support

UniteHer sessions are delivered at CATCH Leeds’ Harehills base as well as across Leeds City College campuses. The sessions are available through referrals and have been adapted for both staff and students to ensure safe and supportive environments.

• Boxing and self-defence training
• Yoga and wellbeing activities
• Mental health workshops
• Employability skills including CV writing and interview preparation

A spokesperson for CATCH Leeds highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that it helps young people develop the skills and confidence needed to progress into education or employment.

Opening doors to public service careers

UniteHer also aims to encourage participants to explore careers in public services such as policing, fire and rescue, ambulance services and the armed forces. Practical advice and training are provided by college staff and industry professionals to support this goal.

The project received £10,000 in funding from the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund, which allocates money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act to support community safety initiatives.

Statements from project leads

Sidra Choudray, Public Services Coach at Leeds City College, commented on the programme’s significance: “Generally, women hold back because they don’t feel safe or confident enough to take part, especially in mixed spaces. Initiatives like this are crucial to empowering women, supporting representation in public services and creating safer communities.”

Aysha Gulzar, Group Project and Development Co-ordinator, added: “UniteHer embodies what we stand for as a college: collaboration, innovation and inclusion. By combining health, wellbeing and employability, we’re helping women and girls across Leeds feel safer and more confident about their futures.”