Celebrating 40 Years of WHiST Women's Health in South Tyneside

This week was a special one. GrowthZone AI founder Kaye Nicholson attended a wonderful celebration as a trustee of WHiST Women's Health in South Tyneside, marking forty years of supporting women and communities across the borough.

Forty years is a remarkable milestone for any organisation, and for a local charity that has quietly changed thousands of lives, it is something to be genuinely proud of.

Forty years strong

WHiST has spent more than four decades supporting women's health and wellbeing across South Tyneside. The 40 Years Strong celebration brought members, staff, volunteers and friends together to look back on everything the organisation has achieved, and to look forward to what comes next.

The day was warm, human and full of heart. There were words from WHiST CEO Corinne Devine, performances from the WHiST choir, reflections from members, and time for the kind of real conversations that have always been at the centre of the charity's work.

Community memories and stories

One of the most moving parts of the celebration was the focus on people's own stories. Members shared what WHiST has meant to them over the years, and a heartfelt post box activity invited everyone to reflect on the difference the organisation has made in their lives.

There were table discussions about significant women of South Tyneside and how their achievements deserve to be recognised, conversations about which other women the community could celebrate, and honest reflections on how much has changed for women over the past forty years.

These are the moments that remind you why local charities matter so much. They hold a community's memories, give people a place to belong, and quietly carry forward the work that bigger institutions often miss.

Supported by the Heritage Fund

The heritage project at the heart of the celebration has been made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. With guidance from Heritage Project Coordinator Jude Murphy, WHiST is documenting and preserving the stories, achievements and history of women in South Tyneside.

This work ensures that the voices and experiences that have shaped the community are recorded and honoured, not lost. Preserving local heritage is a gift to future generations, and it is wonderful to see it given the attention it deserves.

Why local charities and communities matter

At GrowthZone AI we believe that growth should benefit the communities around it. We are based in South Tyneside, deeply connected to the area, and proud to support the organisations that make it stronger.

Local charities like WHiST are the backbone of strong communities. They support people through difficult times, build connections, and create spaces where everyone is welcome. Kaye is honoured to serve as a trustee and to play a small part in the next chapter of an organisation that has given so much for forty years.

Congratulations to everyone at WHiST on this incredible milestone. Here is to the next forty years.

You can learn more about WHiST and its work at whist.org.uk. To read about the other organisations we support, visit our partners and associations page.

Frequently asked questions

What is WHiST Women's Health in South Tyneside?

WHiST, which stands for Women's Health in South Tyneside, is a local charity that has supported women's health, wellbeing and community connection across the borough for more than forty years.

What does 40 Years Strong mean?

40 Years Strong is the celebration of WHiST reaching its fortieth anniversary, marking four decades of supporting women and communities across South Tyneside, including a Heritage Fund project preserving local women's stories.

Is GrowthZone AI involved with WHiST?

Yes. GrowthZone AI founder Kaye Nicholson serves as a trustee of WHiST and attended the 40 Years Strong celebration. GrowthZone AI is proud to support the charity and its continued work in the community.

Who supported the WHiST heritage project?

The heritage project was made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, working with a Heritage Project Coordinator to document and preserve the stories and achievements of women in South Tyneside.

To find out more about how GrowthZone AI supports charities and communities across the North East, get in touch.