In December, Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) held its biennial Together for Women and Children event at The Braywood. We welcomed The Rt. Hon. the Baroness May of Maidenhead and bereaved mother Amanda Stephens as speakers.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May was the MP for Maidenhead for 27 years before stepping down in 2024. She continues to advocate for ending violence against women and children and modern-day slavery.

Amanda Stephens is the mother of Olly Stephens who was lured by a girl to open parkland near his home and stabbed to death by children aged 13 and 14, in January 2021. Through their charity, Olly’s Work, Amanda and her husband Stuart, now campaign for children’s safety online and offline.

Supporters and friends were updated on BCF’s Together for Women and Children strategy and plans for 2026 addressing the needs of women and children in Berkshire, to raise vital funds and make a lasting difference.

BCF will continue to work with charities and voluntary groups by making grants that will have an immediate impact and also work with them on long term strategies to raise awareness and change behaviours