Setting up a WI

Thanks to over 190,000 members throughout the UK, WIs come in all shapes and sizes. However, if there isn't a WI in your area or if you can’t find one that really suits you, you can always start your own!

Two WI members smiling

For more information, guidance and further advice on how to set up a WI, or any of the different types of WIs described below, please contact your federation office. They will be happy to put you in touch with a WI Adviser, a specially trained volunteer, who will be able to guide you through the process.

If you have any other ideas for different WIs, please get in touch with the Membership and Engagement Team at membership@nfwi.org.uk, we would love to hear from you!

Virtual WIs

Looking for a WI that you can join from the comfort of your own home? Look no further!

Here is a list of our virtual WIs:

Head over to our WI Profiles to find out more about them.

If you’re interested in joining any of these virtual WIs, or would like to set up one of your own, please contact your local federation office to find out more.

Workplace WIs

Are you considering forming a WI at your office? Head over to our WI Profiles and hear from Pembrokeshire College WI, the very first workplace WI to be set up in England and Wales.

WI members sitting at a long table for lunch

Pembrokeshire College WI

Hospice WIs

In autumn 2019, the first Women's Institute at a hospice was formed. Why don't you take a look at our WI Profiles to learn more about the St. Wilfrid's Hospice WI?

Prison WIs

Have you heard about our Prison WIs? Through our "Care Not Custody" campaign, we learned that over two-thirds of prison inmates in the UK suffer mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Many have a history of attempted suicide and self-harm. By setting up WIs in women's prisons, we hope to improve the inmates' mental health.

As of today, more than half a dozen Women’s Institutes have been formed in UK prisons, and according to Surrey WI Adviser Jill Elliott, who helped set up the first prison WI, a positive effect on the inmates is certainly noticeable. "The Women’s Institute presents the opportunity to co-operate and work together and to experience what we all know as “normal”. As a result of learning new skills, achieving something and being creative, we are witnessing a reduction in self-harm and rise of self-esteem", says Jill. "The WI has also shown to have a positive outcome on attitudes, thinking and behaviour."