Welcome to our new Trustees
We’re delighted to welcome four new Trustees to our board, please join us in giving Esther Routledge, Kira O’Donoghue, Stephanie Hill and Sanyia Querishi a warm welcome. They bring knowledge and experience from a range of sectors to support the growth and development of WAST.
We spoke to them about their new roles and the importance of charities like WAST.
What interested you in becoming a Trustee for WAST?
Esther:
It’s important to me to volunteer with an organisation that is charitable, humanitarian and fighting to dismantle prejudice and unfairness for marginalised people.
Kira:
A few years ago I read the Beekeeper of Aleppo which was my first real exposure to the plight of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. When I finished the book, I took time to reflect, I believe fundamentally that all people deserve happiness, safety, security and a sense of belonging and I believe in the quote ‘Many small people, who in many small places, do many small things can alter the face of the world’, so I wanted to do something to try and help. WAST aligns with my values personally, they are doing fantastic work to support women in our local community, and I felt like it was an organisation, based on my personal and professional experience, I could add value to.
Stephanie:
I wanted to support WAST because I believe the work it does is important and I share its values of compassion, respect, inclusion and empowerment. I wanted to share my time and my skills and I thought that becoming a Trustee would be a great way to contribute. I feel inspired by the work WAST does and its approach and ethos, and I am excited to be getting involved.
Sanyia:
WAST’s ethos and values particularly stood out to me, given that it has created a community for women affected by the UK’s 'hostile environment'. WAST has not only empowered these women, but also has created a safe space for them - to be a part of it is both rewarding and insightful.
What do you hope to achieve as a Trustee?
Esther:
I want to broaden my worldview and gain insights into the lives of people who are very different from me - I also hope I will discover that I have things in common with WAST women. I have skills in project management and heritage / culture sector funding so I would like to support WAST members to realise and achieve projects that will be important and meaningful to them.
Kira:
As I grow into the role, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the women of WAST and do everything I can to make their journeys better. I hope to support the rest of the Trustees to deliver on the objectives agreed by WAST women, help define strategy, and guide the organisation in a way that allows it to grow and continue to provide ongoing support to the people it represents. I hope we can continue to build on the fantastic work that has been done so far whilst staying authentic to the key values of WAST, ultimately putting the members at the centre of everything we do.
Stephanie:
WAST is already a successful organisation which supports and connects hundreds of women across Greater Manchester. I hope to support WAST in achieving its aims and planning for the future.
Sanyia:
I hope to bring my legal knowledge and skills to the table to ensure WAST can achieve its mission of creating a safe space for its members. Being at the heart of the organisation provides an opportunity to create meaningful change for WAST members through innovative ideas, so they feel reassured their voices are heard and are respected.
Why are grassroots charities like WAST so important?
Esther:
A member-led organisation automatically puts the needs of the people it is for at the heart of its ethos and is able to innovate and take actions rooted in authentic knowledge. I see this as the best way to learn and effect positive change.
Kira:
For lots of disenfranchised groups grassroot charities are the first point of call for support, they are often at the coal face of key issues and perform multiple functions in their locality. Grassroot organisations provide communities, support, sign posting and help for some of the most vulnerable members of our society and make tangible day to day difference to real people. It is crucial we continue to support and engage with local organisations, as for the people they represent, they are arguably the most important part of the sector.
Stephanie:
Charities like WAST provide brilliant practical support to women who are navigating the asylum system. What makes WAST particularly invaluable is that the charity is led by women who have lived experience.
Sanyia:
A grassroots charity like WAST has the advantage of developing solutions to existing issues due to its deeper and more accessible relationship with its members. This positions WAST at the forefront of providing a voice and raising awareness on matters that the government needs to consider.
What would you say to anyone who is interested in supporting WAST?
Kira:
I’d tell them not to be afraid to reach out, ask questions and be empathetic. I’d tell them to consider, just for a second, what it would be like to be displaced and in the current socio-political context we are living in what the reality is like for WAST women – and then I’d ask them to consider what they can do to help. Help and support takes may different shapes and sizes, don’t underestimate the significance of your impact.Please get in touch! I am still new to WAST, but I have been impressed by the warmth, dedication and compassion of everybody I have been in contact with.
Stephanie:
Please get in touch! I am still new to WAST, but I have been impressed by the warmth, dedication and compassion of everybody I have been in contact with.
Sanyia:
If you have the opportunity to get involved and/or support WAST, do it! Your support helps to raise awareness and will amplify the voices of women seeking asylum.
If you are interested in supporting the work of WAST you can make a donation here. Every penny we raise goes towards our work to support women navigating the UK’s hostile asylum system.
