The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) North East and Tees Valley Annual Ball has raised £6,500 for a charity that aims to enable positive futures for people facing homelessness.
Held at the Crowne Plaza, Newcastle, the 12th annual ball was organised by members of its Tees Valley and North East committees, led by Kimberley Workman and Suzanne Blair with support from industry body Constructing Excellence North East.
The funds were raised for Oasis Community Housing’s Empower, a programme that supports women escaping domestic abuse by providing practical help, emotional support, and safe spaces to rebuild confidence, make informed choices, and understand what healthy relationships look like, because no one should face fear.
Sponsors on the night were Mountfair Consultancy and Robertson Construction.
NAWIC is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the advancement of women in the construction industry.
Its aim is to support individuals in construction through their careers, to celebrate and platform their accomplishments, to make a lasting positive impact on the construction industry and to inspire the next generation of women into construction related roles.
Through site visits, networking events, social events, topical industry seminars and workshops for personal development, NAWIC connects construction professionals in a formalised yet relaxed and friendly environment.
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of Constructing Excellence North East and NAWIC committee member, said: “The NAWIC Ball is always a wonderful celebration of the achievements and impact of women across our industry. It’s an inspiring evening that brings people together to recognise progress, champion equality, and give back to the community. The beautifully styled event, complete with balloons, raffles, and a silent auction, helped raise an incredible amount for Oasis Community Housing, showcasing the power of our network to make a real difference.
“One lady whose life had been transformed as a result of support from Oasis Community Housing shared her story and detailed how the charity provides life-changing help for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness each year.
“On behalf of NAWIC North East and Tees Valley I would like to thank our sponsors and everyone who attended, danced into the night and raised money for a very worthy cause.”
Sophie Barker, Oasis Community Housing’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “The NAWIC Ball is always a powerful celebration of women supporting women. We are incredibly grateful to Kimberley, Suzanne, Catriona and to everyone whose dedication and generosity raised such an incredible amount for our work with women who are rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse. Without the support of bodies like NAWIC and the inspiring individuals involved within them, our long-term life-changing work with individuals and families simply wouldn’t be possible.”