The 8th of March marks International Women’s Day 2024, a chance to champion equality, inclusivity, and to celebrate the wonderful women in all of our lives.
This year in the spirit of the day’s theme, ‘Inspiring Inclusion’, the Arndale and our charity partners Real Change MCR and MASH have teamed up to host a pop-up at the centre.
Event details
Date: 08/03/2024 | Time: 12-6pm | Location: The Arndale lower mall outside Morphe
Volunteers from MASH will be around the centre on the day, giving you an opportunity to talk to them about their work, the services they offer, and how you can support the charity.
We will also have part of our previous ‘Random Objects of Kindness’ exhibit on display, showcasing the stories of three MASH service users, Barbara, Colette, and Michelle.
Can you help? MASH will be fundraising and accepting donations of clothing and other essential items at their pop-up stand on the day. Scroll down to see what they need.
More about MASH
MASH carry out invaluable services in the Greater Manchester area, supporting women who are involved in sex work or experiencing challenging circumstances.
They offer non-judgemental support, delivering help to women in the community via their drop-in centre, the MASH van, and in the community.
Janelle Hardacre, Fundraiser and Marketing Officer at MASH, tells us more about the charity, the women they support, and their connection to The Arndale:
“Although MASH is based very close to The Arndale, most shoppers won’t be aware that we exist. So, a big thanks to The Arndale for welcoming MASH to the centre on International Women’s Day.
The theme of this year’s IWD is ‘inspire inclusion’ and sadly so many of the women we meet at MASH are not included. Many are living in survival mode, are pushed to the margins and rarely get a chance to be heard.”
“This connection to The Arndale started in a really special way, with three incredible women who have experienced MASH’s support sharing their stories in the Random Objects of Kindness exhibition.
“Thanks to Michelle, Barbara and Colette, this partnership between MASH and The Arndale was created and we are grateful for their support to uplift a local charity through their big platform. If you spot our MASH volunteers in the mall on International Women’s Day, please do say hello and learn more about the brilliant women we know.”
Visit the MASH wedsite to learn more
Hear from women supported by MASH
“For 20 years of my life, MASH were the only people that knew whether I was dead or alive.” – Colette
At the pop up, you’ll have the chance to listen to the stories of MASH service users, Michelle, Barbara, and Colette, who previously took part in the ‘Random Objects of Kindness’ exhibition at The Arndale.
‘Random Objects of Kindness’ was a free, audio-visual exhibition commissioned by Manchester Arndale to support our charity partner, Real Change MCR, and the amazing organisations they support across Greater Manchester. It aimed to give a voice to those who were or had previously experienced homelessness, increase understanding of the contributing factors and highlight the importance of support in the community.
Michelle
Michelle’s story highlights the power of music and motherly love in the face of adversity, estrangement, and homelessness.
Listen to her story
Michelle
Barbara
Barbara’s story is one of strength, defying past scars and emotional barriers to find love and form a connection with a tiny kitten.
Listen to her story
Barbara
Colette
Colette’s story shows how a small act of kindness and recognition can be a powerful turning point.
Listen to her story
ColetteCome along to The Arndale on International Women’s Day to view the exhibition and listen to their stories.
How you can support women in crisis
“It means everything to know that someone cares.” – MASH service user
Charities like MASH can only continue providing vital services with support from the public.
On the day of the event, there will be a pop-up stand raising funds and accepting donations of basic essentials.
They are in urgent need of the following:
Clothing
•New Knickers,Tights and Leggings in sizes 6,8,10
•Clothing like jumpers, jackets, coats, t-shirts in sizes 6,8,10
• New Socks
• Umbrellas
• Hair items e.g. brushes, bobbles, clips
• Flat footwear like boots and trainers
Hygiene items & makeup
• Hygiene/skin wipes
• Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Make up
Please come along and donate if you can, or speak to the MASH volunteers about other ways that you can help them and women in the community.
