IWD 26 Sunflower Campaign;

North Ayrshire Women’s Aid Launches “NAWA Sunflower Campaign” to Mark International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026

This International Women’s Day, North Ayrshire Women’s Aid (NAWA) is planting seeds of hope across the community through its inspiring NAWA Sunflower Campaign.

Hundreds of sunflower seed packs will be distributed throughout North Ayrshire in public spaces including GP surgeries, hospitals, local shops, businesses and community venues. Each pack contains a small card with a powerful message:

“Safe to grow — we gift you these seeds as a symbol of hope on International Women’s Day. Plant them, nurture them and watch them grow. When women are supported, they flourish.”

Each seed pack also includes a QR code linking to a short video introducing The Hub on the Corner, NAWA’s dedicated community space for women in North Ayrshire.

The campaign has been made possible thanks to valued partnerships and community collaboration, including support from local academy schools (St Matthews, Largs Academy and Greenwood Academy) NHS partners from the Health Improvement Team at NHS Ayrshire & Arran and North Ayrshire Council Libraries.

The Hub on the Corner offers a warm welcome to all women. Women can access specialist domestic abuse support delivered by experienced Women’s Aid workers, enjoy a coffee in a relaxed public space, take part in free community groups and workshops, and access a sensory room designed to provide calm during overwhelming moments. The hub also includes an open-plan children’s space and a boutique where women can access essential items with dignity and respect.

For some women, the hub is a place to seek support. For others, it is a place to connect, breathe and belong.

As part of the campaign, NAWA is encouraging members of the public to engage with the initiative online. Community members are invited to comment on social media posts sharing where they find the sunflower seed packs and to post photos of their seeds being planted and growing — helping spread the message that when women are supported, they flourish.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Women’s Aid said:

“The sunflower is a symbol of strength, hope and growth. This campaign represents what happens when women are given the right support — they thrive. We are incredibly grateful to our local academy schools and NHS partners for helping us spread this message across North Ayrshire.” The NAWA Sunflower Campaign highlights the power of women coming together, reinforcing that support is here, safety is possible, and women empowering women can create lasting change.

NAWA Hub on the corner – 17 Vernon Street, Saltcoats.

Support Sessions

We have a number of support sessions each week. Some are open to all women, and some are available to all women within our service. For these groups, please get in touch with your NAWA worker for further information 01294 602424 (option 2)

  • Knit and Natter – Social knitting group. Bring your own knitting or crochet project, or start one here (materials provided). Mondays 10-12
  • Mother & Baby Group – A casual group to meet other mothers. Toys and facilities for babies and young children.Closed session – book your spot with your NAWA worker. Monday 10-12
  • Emotions Workshop – A structured program to help you work through emotions, coping techniques, building strength, self-esteem and confidence. Closed session – book your spot with your NAWA worker.
  • Book Club – Tuesday 2pm- 4pm
  • Sew Crafty – Craft group. Learn a new skill, with new crafts each week! Wednesdays 10-12
  • Historical Abuse Workshop – A structured program to help work through historical trauma. Closed session – book your spot with your NAWA worker.
  • Photography Club – Thursdays 10-12
  • Friday Cooking Session – A social session with cooking, and chatting. Ingredients provided. Fridays 10-12
  • Self Care Club – A session focusing on meaningful activities for self care. Fridays 2 – 4

All of our Support Sessions take place within our Hub, at 17 Vernon Street, Saltcoats, KA21 5HE.

Accessing Support Sessions

Our Hub is designed to be as accessible as possible. All groups take place in a room that can be accessed step-free. We have disabled toilet facilities, and a specially designed calm room for anyone to use.

For all sessions, tea, coffee, and biscuits are included. All craft materials will be supplied, and all sessions are free to attend.

If you have additional access needs please contact reception on 01294 602424 (option 2)

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