INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025: How We’re Helping Raise Aspirations and Support for Women in Local Communities

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Franks Portlock is proud to support organisations that make a real impact on the lives of women in the local community.  

As part of their ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, the business is spotlighting its collaboration with charities such as Love Amelia, that provides vital support to families in need, and most recently North East’s housing association, believe housing. 

Through volunteering efforts at Love Amelia, Franks Portlock has been actively involved with helping to ensure that vulnerable mothers and children have access to essential items such as baby clothes, nappies, and equipment. 

Love Amelia was founded by Steph Capewell following the heart-breaking death of her daughter Amelia in January 2018, who died just 12 minutes after being born. The charity now transforms the lives of families by providing essential items and equipment for children aged 0-16 years, who are experiencing poverty and hardship throughout the Tyne & Wear and County Durham area. 

Prior to International Women’s Day, Franks Portlock staff were inspired to commit 80 hours a year to volunteering within the Sunderland area.  

To date, eight members of the environmental consultancy’s team, including Director Stephen Portlock, have committed 66 hours working in the Love Amelia warehouse, organising coats for children, as well as helping to sort clothing donations.

“Supporting women and children in our community is something we’re deeply passionate about,” said Stephen. “Through our volunteering with Love Amelia, we’ve been able to provide tangible support to those who need it most, and it’s been a rewarding experience for our team to directly contribute to such a meaningful cause.” 

It’s not just volunteering that Franks Portlock is providing, that has a real impact on women’s lives, but support for local women’s refuges and lifeline community action this International Women’s Day.  

A call-out from believe housing to all its contractors, went out asking for donations of toiletry packs for women and Easter eggs for their children, baby items (nappies, milk, food pouches etc).   

Franks Portlock responded, organising up to a dozen care packs as well as a financial donation.  

Nik Welsh, Executive Director of Communities and Customer Services at believe housing, said: “At believe housing, we believe in life without barriers and we support talented, dedicated people to succeed. On International Women’s Day, we celebrated the many women in important roles across our organisation, alongside the men who champion them. We also took the opportunity to make a positive impact on our communities by supporting women through various charities, with the generous support of colleagues and partners such as Franks Portlock.”

These partnerships are examples of how Franks Portlock is working to elevate women’s voices and foster a more equitable community.  

Director Phil Franks says: “We believe that small actions can have a big impact, and we’re proud to play our part in creating a more supportive and inclusive community for women and families. 

“This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the incredible work charities like Love Amelia and Believe Housing do, and encourage others to get involved and give back.” 

Steph Capewell, Chief Executive at Love Amelia, said: “We are a small team but face a big task of responding to the needs of our community and supporting thousands of children living in poverty each year. The help we receive from volunteers is vital in letting us achieve this – we couldn’t do it without them.  

“We are so grateful to the team at Franks Portlock for stepping up, giving back, and wholeheartedly embracing the mission and values of our charity. Their commitment to giving back to the Sunderland community is admirable.”