Path Announces Lady Kingsmans in Plymouth as Charity of the Year Partner ahead of International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day (8 March), Plymouth homelessness charity Path is pleased to announce that Lady Kingsmans in Plymouth has chosen them as its Charity of the Year, launching a year-long partnership to support women experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness across the city.

The announcement coincides with International Women’s Day 2026 (8 March), which this year carries the theme “Give to Gain” — a campaign encouraging generosity, collaboration, and collective action to support women’s advancement.

The theme highlights the power of collaboration, when individuals, organisations, and communities give their time, resources, and support opportunities for women. Whether through donations, advocacy, mentoring, education, or visibility, contributing to women’s advancement helps create stronger, more supportive communities where women can thrive.

This spirit of giving and collaboration is reflected in the partnership between Lady Kingsmans and Path. The relationship began with a generous £500 donation from Lady Kingsmans to Path’s Winter Appeal which was then doubled by the Big Give.  The relationship has since developed into a year-long Charity of the Year partnership.

The charity continues to draw attention to the rise in homelessness in the city and particularly the strong link between women’s homelessness and domestic abuse.

According to the last set of figures published by Plymouth City Council, domestic violence represents around 27% of all violent crime in Plymouth, significantly higher than the national average of 16%. In 2020/21, police recorded 6,933 domestic abuse crimes and incidents, marking a 21% increase on the previous year.[1]

Last year Path led on the first women’s homeless census supported by partner organisations in the city and identified 85 women sleeping rough in Plymouth.

Research consistently shows that domestic abuse is a key driver of homelessness among women. Homeless Link reports that 40% of homeless women citing domestic abuse as a contributing factor to their homelessness.

Through their partnership, Path and Lady Kingsmans aim to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness while supporting practical services that help them rebuild their lives.

Hayley Everett, Strategic Lead on Fundraising and Communications at Path, said:

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from Lady Kingsmans in enabling us to tackle women’s homelessness. As a local organisation, their compassion and dedication to driving positive change strongly aligns with our own values. We look forward to working with them this year to channel their support into supporting women who are affected by homelessness or at risk of homelessness”.

[1] https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouth-report

If you are a business interested in supporting Path this year and helping to make a difference for people experiencing homelessness in Plymouth, please get in touch with the fundraising team at fundraising@pathdevon.org.