All Girls Allowed: The Stronger Communities Group’s Newest Club

This International Women’s Day is all about Accelerating Action—taking steps to achieve gender equality and address the challenges that women face.

For many women, having spaces where they feel comfortable to speak openly, share experiences, and shape activities that matter to them is an important part of that. 

That’s exactly what a group of people supported by Mirus and Innovate Trust set out to create when they came together with an idea for a women-led group. 

Wanting a space just for women, where they could talk openly, support each other, and decide what they wanted to do together, the group worked with Neda, a Casual Support Worker and Community Network Coordinator from the Mirus Stronger Communities group, to set up ‘All Girls Allowed’ – a group in Cardiff open to autistic people, and people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental ill-health, who identify as female. 

Neda shared:

“There were no similar groups run by women for women, and we thought it was about time we had something like that.”  

At the first meeting in January, 13 women met for coffee, introduced themselves, and shared what they hoped to gain from the group. Some were interested in games, others wanted a safe space to chat. One woman said she sometimes “can’t talk about her things” in mixed groups—highlighting how important this new space was to her. 

Now running twice a month on Wednesdays, the group activities are shaped by its members. Their first activity is upcycling—turning second-hand or unwanted items into something new. One woman shared:

“I’m not into clothes, but I like handbags!”

The group is even planning a fashion show at the end of the year to showcase their creations. 

Another session focuses on storytelling, with members creating characters and writing together. It’s a chance to be creative, share ideas, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. After one session, a participant shared:

“I had the best time.”  

The group is looking for board game donations and welcomes new members and volunteers. If you’d like to get involved, contact Neda Arshadi.  

Email: neda.arshadi@mirus-wales.org.uk