Connect & Belong
Community can begin with something very small: a conversation, a shared interest, a walk, a cup of tea, or simply deciding to go somewhere new. At IWN, we create different ways for women to meet, take part and build relationships, because not everyone connects in the same way.
Sometimes the first thing we need is somewhere to go.
Somewhere you can walk through the door without already knowing everyone. A reason to leave the house. A familiar face. A conversation in your own language. A chance to try something new, move your body, make something, share food, explore Cornwall or simply spend time with other women.
At IWN, we believe connection matters.
Isolation can affect women for many different reasons: moving somewhere new, working from home, caring for others, not driving, language, disability, motherhood, starting again after a difficult period, or simply reaching a point in life where your old circles have changed.
You don't need to be in crisis to need community. And you don't need to have a particular reason for coming to IWN.
Come as you are.
Find Your Kind of Connection
There isn't one right way to meet people. Some women love walking into a busy room and starting conversations. Others would much rather meet while doing something, walking, making, cooking or learning.
That's why we create lots of different ways to take part.
Make & Create
Sometimes conversation comes more easily when your hands are busy.
Our creative sessions are relaxed spaces to try something new, share skills and spend time with other women.
You don't need to think of yourself as creative, and you certainly don't need to arrive knowing what you're doing.
Move & Explore
Get outside, move your body and discover more of Cornwall.
Our walks, dance, yoga, and other movement activities are about feeling good, trying things and enjoying being active with other women, not being the fastest, strongest or most experienced person in the room.
Think & Talk
Sometimes we want somewhere to watch something, hear a different perspective, ask questions and talk about things that matter.
Films for Thought and Books for Thought create opportunities to encounter different stories and experiences, reflect together and sometimes challenge what we thought we knew.
Culture & Community
Cornwall is home to women with many different languages, cultures, histories and experiences.
We create spaces where women can celebrate and share those cultures, and spaces where the wider community can come together with curiosity to learn from one another. This includes cultural celebrations, community gatherings and groups shaped by the women who take part.
See what’s coming up across IWN on our What’s On page.
Too nervous to come along?
You might wonder whether everyone already knows each other. Whether you'll fit in. Whether you need to bring someone. Whether you'll know what to say.
You don't.
Lots of women come to IWN for the first time on their own. Our team will welcome you and help you settle in. You can join in as much or as little as feels comfortable.
We know that taking that first step can sometimes be the hardest part. If it would make things easier, one of our team or volunteers can talk to you beforehand, meet you when you arrive, or help you work out which activity might feel right for you.
Contact us if you'd like a little support before coming along.
Community Shaped by the Women in it
Most of our best ideas haven't started in a meeting.
They've started with a woman saying: “Could we…?”
Could we start a walking group?
Could we celebrate this?
Could we create something for women who speak my language?
Could I share something from my culture?
We want IWN's community programme to keep growing that way.
