Welcome back to the Henley Female Network where every fourth Friday of the month we provide a warm, supportive and welcoming space for conversation, inspiration and connection. Take time for yourself and come along to expand your personal and professional network as you connect with like-minded women. All women are welcome – whether you’re self employed, employed, currently taking a break or anything in between. Come for joy, for friendship, for business or for life. Our focus is on connection first and we find that when we start there business and friendship follow naturally. 

Boats Not Bars: When Connection and Purpose Collide

In 2023, filmmaker Louise attended one of our first Henley Female Network meetings where ex GB rower Imogen Walsh shared her story – in particular how her work as Prison Manager for Boats Not Bars uses rowing as a pathway to rehabilitation for people leaving prison. Louise was instantly drawn in not only by the project but also by Imogen’s passion and dedication. Drawing on her own experience filming inside prisons for ITV Westcountry documentaries as well as her personal love of rowing Louise knew this was a story she had to help tell.

Over the next two years, they navigated the complexities of the prison system together to create a short film about the project to support Imogen’s grant applications and help her to grow this vital work.

Now Imogen and Louise are returning to the Henley Female Network to share that film, and the journey behind it. This will be a celebration of the themes of resilience, teamwork and second chances as well as what happens when we connect with and support one another, show up for a shared vision, and refuse to give up. From a chance conversation at one of our very first meetings to a film that is helping to transform lives, this is the Henley Female Network in action.

********************************************************

If you are interested in speaking at or sponsoring our Breakfast Conversation events, we would love to hear from you! Please fill out the form and we will be in touch.

*please note tickets are non refundable but you are welcome to resell at face value if you are no longer able to attend. 

** £5 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to the Chiltern Centre to support their work empowering young people with disabilities to live life to the full.**