As a proud Stokie, leadership trainer and author, Kirsty Hulse first approached Brighter Futures in 2023 when she launched Confidence Live. Wanting to support a local cause that helps the most vulnerable people in our community, Kirsty invited Brighter Futures’ Catering Team to support her event at the King’s Hall. Hosting over 400 people, this was the largest event the team had ever catered for, and were blown away again to have been invited back the following year.

As Confidence Live grew year on year, in 2025, a change in venue meant the team were unable to provide catering, however Confidence Live continue to support Brighter Futures and their customers.

This year’s headline speaker Sue Perkins, opted to take the train, a more environmentally friendly option, instead of a £700 pre-booked car. Despite (openly admitting!) losing money on 2025’s conference, Kirsty decided to donate this money to Brighter Futures’ Orchid Women’s Services.

In a LinkedIn post, Kirsty wrote

“Henry is my financial compass. I have a sneaky habit of being let’s say…risk comfortable (😂) with money so when I told him I was going to donate what we had saved on Sue’s car and said “look in a WAY I’ve already spent that money” I thought he would side eye me and say something about how “having mentally spent it” isn’t actually real and there’s still loads of expenses to pay, at a loss making event. But he didn’t. He said “People think they’ll suddenly start to give when they’re rich. But money just makes you more of who you already are.” Anyway, Sue’s simple decision to get the train has meant that I sent £700 to their women’s services that support women facing homelessness, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and mental health challenges.”

Brighter Futures Rough Sleepers and Outreach Services Manager, Heidi Pedley said:

“This donation will go directly towards providing essential clothing for homeless women at Orchid Women’s Services including jackets, shoes and underwear. We were already launching an online appeal for donations, so this couldn’t have come at a better time.

We often find women walking the streets barefoot and without clean clothes. This donation will make a real difference.

A big thank you to Kirsty, Sue and everyone at Confidence Live for the donation!”

On behalf of everyone at Brighter Futures, we would like to echo Heidi’s words and thank Kirsty, Sue and everyone at Confidence Live for their ongoing support.

About Orchid Women’s Services

Orchid Women’s Services is based in Hanley (please call 01782 286 862 for location details) and offers a drop-in service on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. No referral is needed. The service is available to women aged 18 and over who live in Stoke-on-Trent.

The service also offers a Female-only Night Shelter with 4 beds in the evenings. As well as a safe space meaning any woman in distress can access the space throughout the night.

Our friendly, trained staff provide emotional and practical support to women in the area. We also work with a range of partner organisations to help advocate for our clients.

We support and signpost women who are socially isolated, at risk of homelessness, rough sleeping, or facing issues like sexual exploitation, domestic violence, human trafficking, or modern slavery. We also assist those struggling with substance misuse, involved in sex work, or in need of sexual health or pregnancy screenings, contraception, or termination. Additionally, we help women access healthcare and maximise their benefits.

Media Contact:

Wanessa Niedzielska

Brighter Futures

Marketing and Communications Officer

Wanessa.niedzielska@brighter-futures.org.uk

07899 923598