Ukrainian Women’s Voices and Action Programme
The John Smith Trust (JST), in partnership with Voices Gloucester (VG), is pleased to launch the Women’s Voices and Action Programme, a new initiative bringing together Ukrainian women living in Gloucester and across Scotland to strengthen their leadership, amplify their voices, and support projects that build stronger, more connected communities.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, more than 250,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in the UK. Among them are women with significant leadership experience across public service, business, education, culture, and civil society. Many continue to play a vital role in supporting their communities, preserving Ukrainian heritage, and fostering understanding and social cohesion in the places they now call home.
Building on the success of JST’s first Ukrainian Women’s Leadership Programme, delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Business School in 2023, this new initiative will create opportunities for Ukrainian women to connect, collaborate, and develop projects that have a positive impact both within Ukrainian communities and wider UK society.
About the Programme
The programme will bring together Ukrainian women leaders from communities across Scotland and England to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen skills together. A 2.5-day residential development programme will take place in Scotland in September 2026, participants will be eligible to develop their work with the support of micro-grants and grantees will participate in a presentation event in Gloucester in May 2027.
Participants will:
- Share stories, insights, and experiences of displacement and adaptation
- Explore challenges and opportunities facing Ukrainian communities in the UK
- Take part in collaborative learning and collective leadership practice
- Develop approaches that promote communication, understanding, and social cohesion
- Design or strengthen projects that benefit both Ukrainian and local communities
Project Grants
As part of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to apply for project funding.
Three grants of £3,000 each will be awarded to projects in the following areas:
- Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Communication and Dialogue
- Social Cohesion
Through Women’s Voices and Action, JST and Voices Gloucester aim to support Ukrainian women leaders in sharing their stories, strengthening community connections, and contributing to a more inclusive and resilient future for both Ukrainian and local communities across the UK.
How the Programme Works
Participants are invited to submit a project idea that they would like to develop through the programme.
All project proposals will be shared with the wider cohort, creating opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and peer support. During the Scotland residential programme, participants will workshop and further develop their ideas with fellow participants and programme partners.
It is expected that by the final day of the residential programme, up to three clear projects will emerge. These projects will be awarded grants totalling £9000 so if 3 projects emerge then £3,000 each.
Successful applicants will have six months to implement their projects, supported by the programme network. In addition to funding, participants may receive mentoring, coaching, specialist skills support, access to networks and platforms, and opportunities to collaborate with others.
The programme will conclude with a showcase event in Gloucester in May 2027, where participants will present their projects and share their learning and impact with the wider community.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a short form expressing your interest to: applications@jst.org by 30th July 2026.
Please cover:
- A short profile outlining your background and current activities
- A brief outline of the project you would like to develop
- The theme under which your project falls:
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- Arts, Culture and Heritage
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- Communication and Dialogue
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- Social Cohesion
- A draft budget showing how you would use the £3,000 grant
- Details of any additional support you are seeking, such as mentoring, coaching, communications support, specialist skills, access to networks, or project development advice
Download expression of interest form.
We particularly encourage collaborative approaches. Participants will have opportunities to connect with others working on similar ideas and explore partnerships that could strengthen their projects and create greater impact.
Key Dates
- Applications open: July 2026
- Application deadline: 30 July 2026
- Online introductory session: September 2026
- Scotland residential programme: 25–27 September 2026
- Project implementation period: October 2026 – April 2027
- Gloucester showcase programme: May 2027
Through Women’s Voices and Action, JST and Voices Gloucester aim to support Ukrainian women leaders in sharing their stories, strengthening community connections, and contributing to a more inclusive and resilient future for both Ukrainian and local communities across the UK.