Our organisation
NWR operates a network of local groups across Great Britain. Some groups were founded at NWR’s first inception (as the National Housewives Register back in 1960), while some groups were set up much more recently, and new local groups are always welcome.
You can choose to join NWR affiliated to a local group, as an independent member not assigned to any one local group, or you can join NWR to set up a new local group.
Members affiliated to a local group participate in their group’s programme of events and activities. All NWR members can participate in NWR’s national programme of events and activities either with their group or as individual members.
8 Regions
Supported by NWR staff Regional
Membership Officers where available
54 Areas
Coordinated by volunteer
Area Organisers
316 Groups
Coordinated by volunteer
Local Organisers
NWR local groups are arranged within regions, subdivided into areas, with each area containing five to ten groups.
Regions are supported by either NWR’s Head of Operations & Development, or our Volunteer & Recruitment Manager.
Areas tend to be looked after by volunteer Area Supporters, while each local group is administered by a Local Organiser. Local groups can choose to appoint other roles to support their activities, for example, a treasurer or publicity officer. Area Supporters, Local Organisers and all NWR volunteers receive comprehensive and ongoing support.
Membership options
Affiliate to a local group membership
If you opt to affiliate to a local group, we will send you details of NWR groups near you. You’ll be invited to attend local group meetings and to choose the best group for you. If you want, you can attend up to two meetings free-of-charge before joining NWR.
Each local group decides its own programme, providing new members with the opportunity to select a group that suits them. Programmes cover a wide range of topics from the serious to the light-hearted, and participation is encouraged.
Members affiliated to a local group can volunteer as local organisers, or support their group as treasurer, publicity officer, or in another role.
Members affiliated to a local group can participate in the national programme of events and activities, with their group or as individual members.
Independent membership
NWR’s Independent Members do not affiliate with a specific local group, but can take part in any group’s events and activities.
NWR Independent Members can also participate in the national programme of events and activities as individual members. This includes eligibility to take part in any local group’s events and activities (prior notice to Local Organiser required), including regional events and the national conference.
Independent Members enjoy:
Monthly newsletters containing the latest NWR news
NWR online meetings
Specialised NWR Facebook discussion groups
NWR magazine, downloadable or delivered to your door, access to back copies of the magazine
Participation in quality Online Talks and past recordings
Start a new local group
We welcome requests from new or established members to start new local groups. You may know women who would like to form a group with you, or NWR can put you in touch with women near you who may wish to join your new group.
New group organisers receive specific assistance from NWR staff and the members network. A comprehensive resource detailing over 60 years’ experience of starting new NWR local groups is available, and NWR staff are allocated to support efforts and provide materials.
The NWR network
NWR operates a network of local groups for women across Great Britain.
316 active groups
And growingNWR around the world
While NWR operates predominantly in Great Britain, we are delighted to have members in Australia.
We welcome requests from new or established members to set up new local groups, or you can join NWR as an independent member anywhere in the world.
