With the launch of the Ladies First Charity Calendar 2027, Nub News is meeting the local women behind the project to discover the personal stories, passions and causes that inspired them to take part.

From stepping outside their comfort zone to raising money for charities close to their hearts, each woman has their own reason for getting involved. In this series, we find out their 'why' and what the experience has meant to them.

Lianne Kirkman – Leamington, Miss January

A Leamington charity founder who once struggled to see a future for herself is now helping other women rebuild their lives, as she steps in front of the camera for a local charity calendar.

Lianne Kirkman, founder of The Esther Project, a women-only non-profit organisation supporting women across South Warwickshire, is among those taking part in the Ladies First Charity Calendar.

But while the project celebrates women and raises money for charitable causes, she admits she initially had reservations about getting involved.

Lianne shared: "I had some reservations at first because at The Esther Project, we work hard to help women understand that their value isn't based on their appearance, and I was conscious that I wouldn't want to be involved in anything that could be seen as exploitative or reinforce the message that women have to look a certain way to be valued.

"However, after learning more about the project's aims, I realised it was about celebrating women's strength, individuality and resilience rather than how they look."

Lianne went on to disclose that for her, the charity calendar is "about so much more than photographs."

"It's about celebrating strength, resilience and authenticity whilst raising money for important causes. Every woman involved has her own story, and I loved the idea of being part of something that showcases the incredible impact women can have when they come together to support one another.

"If my participation helps raise awareness of The Esther Project, encourages another woman to be brave enough to take a step forward in her own life, or inspires someone to support the work we do across Warwickshire, then stepping in front of the camera was absolutely worth it", said Lianne.

Lianne's why

Before establishing The Esther Project, Lianne set up and led Helping Hands Community Project as a registered charity in Leamington Spa, following her own personal mental health crisis.

Lianne shared: "What began as a small community initiative grew over almost ten years into an award-winning charity supporting hundreds of local people."

During her time there, Helping Hands was honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Service and grew to achieve an annual turnover of around £500,000.

"Whilst leading Helping Hands, I became increasingly aware that women often faced unique challenges that were not always being adequately represented or addressed within wider community provision. Through my work, I saw first-hand the devastating impact that domestic abuse can have on women and families," continued Lianne.

"Many people don't realise that domestic abuse is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women, and yet we weren't seeing many women attending despite local homeless figures showing plenty of women declaring a homeless status."

Two years ago, Lianne made the difficult decision to step down from Helping Hands to establish The Esther Project as an organisation in its own right. Her vision was to create an organisation solely focused on women, providing a safe and supportive space where they can find hope, healing, community and practical support.

Today, The Esther Project supports women through supported living accommodation, counselling, therapy, mentoring, workshops, employability pathways and social groups.

The charity believes in helping women move from surviving to flourishing and creating opportunities for them to rebuild confidence, regain independence and discover their potential.

Speaking about the vision behind the Esther Project further, Lianne added: "The name "Esther" comes from the biblical figure who found the courage to step into her purpose despite fear and uncertainty.

"Her story reflects what I hope every woman who comes into contact with The Esther Project will discover: that she is valued, that her voice matters and that she has the strength to overcome the challenges she faces."

Lianne's chosen charity: The Esther Project

With all this in mind, it will come as no surprise that Lianne will be supporting The Esther Project and its mission to support vulnerable women further, selecting it as her chosen charity.

Lianne shared: "For me, the most important message behind the calendar is that every woman has value, regardless of her past, her circumstances or how she sees herself.

"Through The Esther Project, I meet women every day who have overcome extraordinary challenges. Some have experienced domestic abuse, homelessness, poor mental health, addiction, loss or significant trauma. Yet despite everything they have faced, they continue to show remarkable strength and resilience. I believe the calendar is a celebration of that strength.

"In a world that often places pressure on women to look a certain way or live up to unrealistic expectations, this project sends a different message. It reminds us that our worth is not found in our appearance, achievements or what other people think of us.

"The calendar is also about women supporting women. When we encourage one another, celebrate one another's successes and create opportunities for one another to thrive, incredible things can happen."

Find out more about The Esther Project and its work locally here.

The Ladies First Charity Calendar launched on 15 October and is now available to purchase here.