In 2009 Avon successfully launched Hello Tomorrow Fund an initiative which aims to empower women and improve society by providing individuals and/or organisations with cash awards. Last year we donated £30,000 to three inspirational women.

Her vision:
To fit each ward with a hairdressing style sink

Her idea:
Being a student nurse Maria has noticed that, although individual care for patients hygiene is seen to, there is one area that is often neglected due to logistics. Patients, in particular women, are often left unable to wash their hair for extended periods of time.

Maria believes that feeling clean and refreshed and the feelings of wellbeing associated with this has positive health outcomes. Therefore, she proposed fitting each ward with a hair washing sink where patients are able to wash their hair without wetting the rest of their bodies.

Additionally, she proposed that nurses are sent for a days training on hair washing and scalp massage to enable a higher standard of care.

Her vision:
To provide support for mums and children living in safe houses

Her idea:
Catherine's idea is to support mums living in safe houses by paying for their children to take part in sport, music and art activities. Mums and children are admitted to safe houses as a result of domestic violence and usually arrive at short notice with no possessions except the clothes they are wearing. They often leave behind friends, family – everything.

As a mum herself, Catherine knows just how important it is to feel empowered enough to help your children, especially when times are hard. Her programme will mean that mums can take their children to activities such as ‘music with mummy', ballet or football - with the right clothes and equipment. She believes that this will boost a mother's self esteem and will help them share a positive experience with their children.

Her vision:
To encourage and train women and girls into becoming business leaders

Her idea:
Maureen has researched that women are substantially underrepresented in public and private bodies with only a third (34.4%) of public appointees being women. She therefore wants to encourage women to join organisations as decision makers.

She will do this by providing mentoring, networking and shadowing with women in the area who already hold decision-making roles in Leicester. Maureen will also build a website and develop a database of potential leaders and role models for business and public bodies to have access to. Maureen will promote the opportunities in training, education, business and employment for women in the area.