Cherie Blair comments, "We were looking for evidence of how the fund money would be used to help change women's lives and build a better society, and the many hundreds of responses we received really tried to show that. There was an extremely high standard of applications which of course made our job very difficult, but we're all confident that the three winning projects of the Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund will help empower women and make a real difference to local communities."

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.

Judges comments:
"This concept really struck a chord with all of us, and Maria's idea of being able to provide this simple act when in hospital is inspired. I'm more than happy to mentor Maria in putting this idea into place, and seeing that it is implemented in hospitals across the country." Claire Young.

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.

Judge's comments:
"I was really moved by Catherine's Step-Up project - such a practical, but really empowering idea. What a great way to bring some pleasure and normality back into children's lives, that I can imagine also works as a real self-esteem boost for the mums who get to treat their kids to some much-needed fun." Jo Elvin, Glamour

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.

Judge's comments:
"We loved this idea of supporting women in becoming decision makers. Having the support and mentoring to guide women into such roles is priceless, and we hope Maureen will continue to be successful in her dream." Anna Segatti, Avon