In these times of austerity, cuts, loss of grant programmes the voluntary sector is desperate for affordable, accessible , suitable space to meet and deliver services. Thousands of voluntary groups have had to cease activity because of unaffordable premises. Rooms of our Own is particularly concerned about the loss of space for the women's movement. There used to be a Women's Centre in every London Borough but very few remain. We have therefore developed a new social enterprise model which would guarantee permanent space for voluntary groups.

What we'll deliver:

• Find a suitable site
• Build a Women's Centre
• Offer community shares

Why it's a great idea:

We have commissioned research that demonstrates the ongoing need for Women's Centres and the social value they provide. Please see the reports on our website roomso4own.wordpress.com

Steps to get it done:

Women are still hugely disadvantaged in many areas of our society. Rooms of our Own would provide space for all kinds of organisations to help address these inequalities. We had 41 organisations signed up to take space in a building; working on VAWG, working with young girls, providing a creche, providing hot-desking, providing training and support, running courses and seminars, holding conferences, putting on art exhibitions, providing health and well-being sessions, working with ex-prisoners etc etc etc