A Leamington-based charity, which supports women facing complex challenges, has unveiled its biggest project yet.

The Esther Project is preparing to open a brand-new countryside retreat, which will expand its reach and impact and is a match-fund opportunity to support its ambitious plans.

The organisation supports women who are recovering from trauma, domestic abuse, addiction, homelessness, and other social disadvantages.

It already has a dedicated women's hub as well as supplying accommodation at the seven-bedroom Esther House, while a two-bedroom flat is currently being renovated by volunteers.

Now, work is underway to prepare the Esther Retreat, another seven-bedroom property in a rural location within ten miles of Leamington, for opening early in 2027.

The Retreat will offer professional counselling and recovery programmes, holistic therapeutic support and unique land- and animal-based therapy. Tailored recovery services will be delivered in a tranquil environment, drawing inspiration from similar successful initiatives at Willowdene Farm, Shropshire, and Hope Street, Southampton.

"This is such an exciting step forward for us," said Esther Project founder Lianne Kirkman.

"We have been so fortunate to find the perfect building to meet the proven, urgent need, and in the perfect locale where women can be temporarily housed in an environment of complete calm and safety. This isn't just a building; it is a sanctuary designed for healing and transformation.

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"Thanks to the wonderful support of the local community, the Esther Project is able to support many women, but there is still a large and rising number who need help. The Retreat will help us plug that gap and provide a calm, restorative space where women can finally exhale, feel safe and begin rebuilding their lives," she added.

The Esther Project's expansion could not be more timely in light of the escalating numbers of women needing support.

Since 2024, more than 180 women have benefited from its care and support. The Retreat will elevate that support to a new level.

"The Retreat will give women the chance to step away from complex lives and spend up to 12 months in a safe, peaceful environment where they can reset, recover, and begin rebuilding their lives from the ground up," said Lianne.

She further shared: "But we need more help to get our doors open. Thanks to some incredible early support from local organisations, community groups, and funders, we're already on our way. The amazing Millward Charitable Trust has pledged £30,000 of match funding, which means that every pound given is doubled: £10 becomes £20, £25 becomes £50, £100 becomes £200. We are challenging our community to help us raise £30,000 - which will instantly become £60,000!"

For more information about the Esther Retreat, please visit here. Donations can be made online here, while the Esther Project can be contacted at [email protected].