Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Umme Ali launches HerSpace bringing together women’s organisations across the county

Today, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Umme Ali launched HerSpace Bedfordshire, a new network designed to bring together organisations supporting women across the county. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration, improve the visibility of services, and create a more coordinated approach to meeting the needs of women in Bedfordshire. 

HerSpace was developed in response to a recognised need for greater collaboration and visibility across the women’s sector, particularly for smaller and emerging organisations whose vital work can go unrecognised. 

The network provides a space for organisations supporting women to connect, share knowledge, and learn from one another. A key focus is showcasing and amplifying grassroots and “by and for” organisations, recognising the unique expertise and trusted relationships these groups hold within their communities. 

The launch event brought together a wide range of organisations, all united by a shared commitment to improving how support for women is delivered, accessed, and understood across Bedfordshire. It provided an opportunity to build new connections, explore potential collaborations, and highlight the breadth of services available to women across the county. 

Commenting on the launch, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Umme Ali said: 

“HerSpace is about strengthening the connections between the organisations that support women and ensuring their vital work is visible, valued and amplified. 

“There are so many brilliant community‑led organisations in Bedfordshire doing exceptional work - often quietly, and often without the recognition they deserve. By bringing these groups together and enhancing collaboration across the sector, we can build a more coordinated and inclusive system of support for women across our county. 

“It was incredibly inspiring to see so many dedicated organisations in one room today, united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for women. Today marks the beginning of a stronger, more connected and community‑driven approach to supporting women in Bedfordshire.” 

HerSpace Bedfordshire will continue to grow as a space for partnership working, shared learning and community engagement, helping to build a more responsive and joined‑up network of support for women across the county. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner, and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner encourage organisations working with women in Bedfordshire to engage with HerSpace and contribute to shaping a more inclusive support landscape.  

Please contact us if you would like to be involved by emailing: [email protected] or calling 01234 842064.