The WayfinderWoman Trust – helping women take control of their lives

WayfinderWoman Trust is a female-run charity, based in Eastbourne, which empowers women across Sussex to gain the confidence, skills and strength to take control of their future.

We are a volunteer-led charity and, in recognition of this, we had the highest honour of receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2019. Our drop-in information hub is the nerve centre of the charity, where we provide free peer support appointments, office work experience for our volunteers and run our grant-funded workshop and courses.

“The workshop has changed my life, I was too scared to leave the house before and it was a huge deal for me to even walk through the door, and now I can walk around town confidently and live my life again. I can’t thank you enough.” Jay

We welcome women regardless of circumstance and background

Those coming to us may be feeling isolated, fearful of meeting others, out of work through ill health or caring responsibilities, believing that they have no skills. Others are frustrated with the discrimination and prejudice holding them back, desperate to step out on their own, to create the life they deserve but they don’t know how. They may be in work but feel unworthy; imposters navigating a career they don’t believe in. It’s not simple to get that balance right, so we also help other organisations to be the best they can be in nurturing women. Our annual Work and Wellbeing Day is one of the ways we do this.

“I found myself somewhat “lost”, having been made redundant last year and with a couple of bouts of unsuccessful employment. One day on my way to the job centre, I stumbled across WayfinderWoman and from that moment, I felt encouraged by how much support the charity could offer.” Ayesha

It is thanks to our volunteers, who have given over 4,500 hours just in the last year, that we are able to help women like Jay and Ayesha. In turn, our hub volunteers gain huge benefits from volunteering with us too. Improving confidence, and developing skill sets whilst helping other women in the process. Thanks to our success in providing training and support; during the summer three of our volunteers found permanent employment. The hub offers a warm welcome, and an opportunity to enjoy laughter and friendship.

In 2024 we have plenty of wonderful events planned, so do get in touch, email volunteering@wayfinderwoman.com to find out more about volunteering with us and keep an eye on our social media channels to get involved.