Page 24 • The HERALD • 8th January 2026 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v Acorn Building Contracts Ltd u Reliable, local builders offering affordable, quality workmanship u Our employees are fully qualified and fully insured u All aspects of building undertaken including extensions, structural alterations, roofing, ground works, kitchens, bathrooms, carpentry and plastering u Drawings arranged u Insurance work undertaken u Local Approved Contractor For free quotations and friendly advice please call Office: 023 8024 3336 Mobile: 07786 656865 Email: acornbuilding@gmail.com or visit our website: www.acorn-builders.co.uk You will not be disappointed HANNAH’S ELECTRICS Your Local Female Electrician NEED AN ELECTRICIAN? From simple upgrades to complete house re-wiring - and everything in-between, Hannah’s Electrics is the perfect choice. A trusted tradeswoman with sensible rates covering Southampton, New Forest & Waterside areas CONTACT HANNAH 07585 778136 W: www.hannahs-electrics.co.uk • E: hannahelectrics@gmail.com Like us on Facebook PIANO TUITION Carolyn Turner LRSM New to the area of Langley Over 30 years of experience with children and adults Piano lessons - beginner to Grade 8 Music Theory Grade 1-5 Experienced accompanist Please contact me for further information Carolyn_turner01@btinternet.com 07980 349958 • Re-Skimming • Rendering • Coving • Dry Lining • Tacking • Artex Covered • Floor Screeding www.tbrownplastering.co.uk Call: 07919 183989 Friendly • Reliable • Professional • Free Estimates Local Charity Calls for £6,000 to Fund Business Training Programme for 120 Women in Malawi Tools for Self Reliance, a Netley Marsh–based charity that helps create sustainable livelihoods in Africa, is calling on the community to help raise the nal £6,000 needed to launch its life-changing business development programme for 120 women in Malawi as part of its Winter Appeal. Despite making up a large number of Malawi’s informal labour force, women face huge social and economic barriers, including limited access to training, nancial exclusion, and early marriage. Malawi is ranked among the twenty poorest countries in the world, with two thirds of the population living below the poverty line. A programme designed to break the cycle of poverty Working in partnership with the Young Achievers Foundation (YAF) in Malawi, the project will support 120 women to start or strengthen their own businesses. Participants will receive: • Tailored business skills training • Support to write business plans and set nancial goals • Mentorship on bookkeeping, pricing and customer management • Sexual and reproductive rights awareness training • Support accessing nancial services • e chance to pitch for a business start-up grant e CB&HH Trust and The Leach Fourteenth Trust, alongside funds raised by Tools for Self Reliance’s regional volunteers, have already committed to the project. Just £6,000 is needed to unlock the full programme. “It changed my life”: real women achieving real results Tools for Self Reliance has already seen the impact similar training can have. Enneta, who joined the programme in 2024 while running a small grocery stall, pitched her business plan to the project’s “Dragon’s Den” style panel and received a 300,000 MKW (approx. £132) grant. She used it to secure rent and new stock, and her income has now risen to 200,000-250,000 MKW (approx. £87- £108) per month. “My friends are no longer in business, but I am still in business because of the skills,” she said. Bridget and Milika, who run a tailoring business together, received a 500,000 MKW (approx. £218) grant which they invested in tools, rent and advertising. eir income now exceeds 300,000 MKW per month, serving more than 40 customers. “My wellbeing has extremely improved,” said Bridget. “I can buy food, pay school fees and take care of my child.” Sarah Ingleby, CEO for Tools for Self Reliance said: “This is a project that transforms lives. With the right training, women can build successful businesses that support their families long-term. We’re so close to our target, just £6,000 stands between these women and the opportunity to change their futures. Our Winter Appeal will help us reach even more women who are ready to take the next step.” How the community can help Donations will directly fund: • Business skills workshops and mentoring • Training in bookkeeping, pricing and cost management • Support with marketing and customer relations • Networking and peer-to-peer support • Start-up grants for women with the strongest business plans • Pathways to savings, investment and long-term nancial stability If more than the £6,000 needed is raised the Charity will use the surplus to support their other Women’s Empowerment projects across Africa. To donate visit: www.tfsr.org/winter-appeal-2025 Bridget Enneta Milika and Bridget
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