BWC celebrated the achievements of the past year at their annual AGM on Thursday 21 November in the Ambassador Suite at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.
Amplifying Women’s Voices
In what is a milestone year for BWC, Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove Councillor Amanda Grimshaw BEM, hosted the event to mark 50 years of supporting women in Sussex. Guests heard about BWC’s impact through the voices and stories of women involved with the charity, past and present.
Kerry* shared first-hand the difficulties she had faced before being sentenced by a Judge to attend sessions with an Inspire caseworker. At her third session a change began in Kerry’s thinking.
“I’m not sure what I expected. I thought it was a punishment. I couldn’t have been more wrong. There is no manual that could teach what the women at this centre provide, absolutely none. And I should know. I’ve been through a range of mental health professionals but hadn’t connected or been able to discuss my trauma with them; none I felt safe with to open up to.” Kerry said.
She went on “I am no longer ashamed. If I have some tears with this it’s because I value this Centre with everything I have. They saved my life and yet they will say I did the work, but without their tools and knowledge I would not be here today. Their commitment, compassion, dedication and patience is priceless to women who are at their most vulnerable. Without these services many women would be left trapped in cycles of domestic violence, addiction and mental health issues to name but a few.”
Many in the audience were visibly moved by Kerry’s story and she received a standing ovation.
JoJo then shared how she and her 13-year-old son arrived in Brighton, not knowing anyone and without a place to stay. They had been living out of one black, sodden, mould contaminated room – declared unfit for human habitation – for 10 months. JoJo had powerlessly observed the deterioration in her child’s health. She suffered such anguish and trauma that she was at the point of breakdown, mentally and physically.
JoJo was put in touch with BWC by Survivor’s Network and attended the foodbank. Support staff at the foodbank helped get beds and household items for her and her son. They put JoJo in touch with St Luke’s Advice Service and Brighton Housing Trust as well the MSK service for a back injury. When JoJo wasn’t able to buy gifts for her boys at Christmas, BWC helped to secure a donation from Pelican Parcels.
“I can’t tell you how honoured I am to be here today and this all stems from how grateful I feel towards the incredible people in BWC and all the multifaceted services you offer to women in the community. You gave me grounding when I needed it most. Thank you.” JoJo said.
Once again, everyone in the room rose to their feet to applaud at the end of JoJo’s heart wrenching story.
Councillor Grimshaw then introduced a series of short monologues performed by three of Clean Break’s Member artists: Daisy, Lucy and Yvonne – women who have been a part of Clean Break’s Member programme, and who are now working as professional artists. Each of the monologues gave a snapshot of a different moment of a woman’s experience of the criminal justice system, with challenging themes that included mental ill-health, domestic violence, and imprisonment.
What followed were audio recordings of the stories of three more women who’ve been supported by BWC to rebuild their lives, as well as one testimonial from the daughter of a woman who had witnessed how isolation and depression had profoundly affected her mother’s health and well-being. Chyanne said “BWC has significantly improved my mums mental and physical health. This makes it easier for us (her children) to look after her. As her registered young carers extra help means so much.”
Finally, poet, broadcaster and TEDx speaker Lady Unchained took to the podium with an inspirational performance that was a fitting and uplifting end to the celebration.
Outgoing Chair of Trustees, Melissa Drayson, began the formal proceedings of the AGM and Treasurer Mary D’Arcy presented the Annual Report and Annual Accounts for 2023 – 2024. Thereafter, BWC Director, Lisa Dando, thanked Melissa for all her hard work and dedication since she joined the Board in 2015.
In her closing speech Ms Drayson said “It has been an honour to be a trustee of this amazing charity for nearly 10 years, and to be Chair for the past two.”
There was also a fond farewell to Rachel Beck, who has not only been a trustee since 2010, but is also a longstanding member of BWC’s Fundraising and Communications Volunteer Group and co-leads the weekly Healthwalk. Melissa expressed her gratitude for Rachel’s contribution on the Board of Trustees and thanked her for her consistent involvement and support of BWC’s fundraising activities.
Speaking prior to the event Rachel said “I feel lucky to be involved with BWC. Here’s to the next 50 years – while very much hoping that BWC will not be needed in the same way for the next 50 years!”
In line with BWC’s constitution that a third of the board be appointed for a three-year term each year, Mary D’Arcy, Amy McConnachie and Amber Woodward-Brown were re-appointed as trustees. Having served two years on the Board, Amber Woodward Brown became the new Chair and four new trustees – Joanne (Joey) Bautista-Connor, Tallulah Frankland, Gillian Holmes and Dr Helen Bowen – were appointed.
Elaine Bowler and Devna Vickerman both stepped down during the year.
*Kerry’s story reflects a real woman’s experience, but her name and photo were changed to protect her identity.