Our Projects

Kyra is sometimes funded by grant-making bodies to deliver a particular project on a specific timescale, often targeting a particularly vulnerable group of women.

FREYA

FREYA supports any women who need help at Kyra, however, the women who receive support are predominantly:

• Have experienced/are experiencing domestic abuse,
• Live with poor mental health,
• Are single parents or sole carers,
• Have experienced/are experiencing acute loss,
• Are overcoming homelessness and addiction,
• Are at risk of offending, or are ex-offenders,
• Come from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.
• Are neurodiverse,
• Feel isolated, lonely, marginalised and vulnerable.

FREYA helps:

• Set goals for each woman as to what success looks like for her.
• Offer a range of individualised pathways based on member feedback and our observations of which issues new members tell us they would like to address in their lives– e.g. improving mental wellbeing.
• Provide one-to-one support and mentoring to guide each woman through her bespoke pathway, thus reducing dropout rates.
• Reach-out and engage with marginalised women who currently are not Kyra’s members but would greatly benefit from Kyra’s offering.

Record member Pathways so we can monitor and check in with them regarding their progress at regular intervals (3, 6, 12 months), mark their achievements and invite them to periodic celebration events to reflect on their progress and the positive changes they have made in their lives.

ROSE Growing Project

Kyra is one of seven organisations set to benefit from a combined total of £250,000 across two years to help them develop innovative initiatives that can improve the lives of people experiencing serious mental ill-health in York. The funding comes from the Community Mental Health Transformation Grant which was set up to support voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in York to deliver new ways of supporting people in their local communities.

The grant, which is managed by York CVS on behalf of the York Mental Health Partnership and the Connecting our Cities Partnership, will support our ‘ROSE (Reaching Out, Supporting, Empowering) Growing project’. This offers an early intervention programme for young women aged 18-26 who are at risk of or recovering from serious mental illness, delivered through drop-in group sessions, wellbeing courses and counselling.

For more information about ROSE, contact Sherrie Wood sherrie@kyra.org.uk

ROSE Plus

A new social drop-in group with crafts and chats. Perfect to meet others of similar age in a safe space, while promoting positive mental wellbeing.

For people aged 26 to 30 (you can join from 25 ½)

Introducing ROSE in Focus

ROSE in Focus is an extension of our existing ROSE group -offering young women aged 18–30 a chance to get involved in project-based and consultation-focused work that builds confidence, develops skills, and supports wellbeing. Members will gain an AQA accreditations for self-directed or group learning

The group will run on Wednesdays from 4:30–6pm. With just 15 spaces available over the year, we’re keeping the group small so that each member gets the attention and support she needs. 

What the Group Offers

So, what exactly does ROSE in Focus involve? It’s flexible, interest-led, and always purposeful. Projects might include:

• Working with organisations like Healthwatch, The Hub, or All About Respect on consultation work
• Exploring topics such as coercive control and safety for women
• Supporting Kyra through fundraising or social media

RISE2THRIVE & Tailblazer

At Kyra, we’re proud to be part of RISE2THRIVE and Trailblazer—two empowering programmes to support women in York who are currently economically inactive and facing barriers to work or training.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Mayoral Combined Authority, these programmes are all about meeting women where they are, and walking alongside them—gently, supportively—as they take steps toward a brighter future.

Through 1-1 mentoring, wellbeing support, and practical employability guidance, we help women build confidence, nurture new skills, and move closer to opportunities that feel right for them—whether that’s training, volunteering, or stepping back into work.

RISE2THRIVE offers tailored support to economically inactive women, helping them rediscover what’s possible.
Trailblazer provides enhanced support for key groups, including:

• Women aged 16–24

• Women aged 50–64

• Those living with long-term health conditions

• Women from rural and coastal communities

At Kyra, we believe in walking at your pace, celebrating every small win, and helping you rise—confident, capable, and ready to thrive in your own unique way.