Residents, parents, young people, schools, employers and community organisations are invited to find out what they can do to help make Congleton a safer place for women and girls.

Congleton Town Council's White Ribbon Group has announced plans to host a free White Ribbon Conference next month.

Entitled 'It Takes All Of Us', the conference will explore how everyone in the community can help challenge misogyny, tackle violence against women and girls and other gender-based violence, and create a safer, more respectful Congleton.

Councillor Richard Walton, chair of Congleton Town Council's White Ribbon Group and a White Ribbon ambassador, said: "The message this year is simple, it takes all of us.

"Violence against women and girls is not something that can be solved by women, the police, schools or specialist services alone.

"The attitudes that allow harassment and abuse to grow are shaped in homes, friendship groups, schools, workplaces, sports clubs and online – so all of us have opportunities to make a difference."

The conference takes place at Congleton Town Hall on Tuesday, November 24 - the eve of White Ribbon Day.

Starting at 6.15pm, the evening will bring together people with lived and professional experience.

It will look at the challenges facing women and girls, boys and men, both online and offline, as well as the practical things individuals, families, schools, workplaces and community groups can do to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, recognise abuse, support others and help prevent violence.

The event follows the success of the town council's Growing Up Wired event for parents and carers in 2025, which attracted around 50 people and generated requests for further opportunities to discuss the pressures facing people of all ages, including online misogyny, unhealthy relationships, bullying and harmful content.

Councillor Kay Wesley, chair of Congleton Town Council's Community Committee and a White Ribbon champion, said: "Last year's event was very well-received and many delegates asked for a follow-up session.

"We hope this will be a practical and hopeful evening, building understanding more about the problem, but also knowing what we can actually do – as a parent, a young person, a teacher, an employer, a colleague, a friend or simply as someone who wants Congleton to be a safe place for everyone."

The conference is part of Congleton's programme for White Ribbon Day 2026.

Ahead of the event, the White Ribbon team will be in Congleton town centre from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, November 21, talking to residents and encouraging people to make the White Ribbon Promise.

White ribbons will also be tied around the town centre from Sunday, November 22, and the White Ribbon flag will fly from the Town Hall from November 25 throughout the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Tickets for the conference are free but should be reserved in advance through TicketSource.