We are delighted to share an inspiring update about Jess Gill, who recently represented the UK in the Ms Voluptuous International pageant while fundraising for S.H.E. UK during the Big Give campaign.

Jess raised an incredible £500, which was doubled through the Big Give match-fund, making a meaningful contribution to our work supporting survivors of childhood abuse and trauma.

At the pageant, Jess received several prestigious awards, including the title of “Women of the World’s Ambassador” for raising the highest amount for charity across all contestants. This award came with a crown and sash recognising her outstanding commitment to making a positive difference.

Jess also received the “Advocacy Award” for her powerful speech about her journey through trauma and the values she now champions. She went on to place as “second runner-up overall”, among her other honours.

We are incredibly proud of Jess, not only for her achievements on the pageant stage, but for the compassion, courage, and dedication she continues to show. Her commitment to empowerment, healing, and body positivity reflects the heart of what we stand for at S.H.E. UK.

Jess shared with us:

“Thank you for working with me. The pageant was incredible… I won ‘Women of the World’s Ambassador’ for the most money raised for charity, and the ‘Advocacy Award’ for my speech. Thank you again — I’m so grateful.”

We are deeply thankful for Jess’s support and for everyone who donated during the Big Give campaign. Together, your contributions are helping us continue our vital work.

Please Support Us

💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

Black Friday is just around the corner, and it’s a time when many of us hunt for the best deals of the year. But what if your shopping could do something even more meaningful?

This year, your bargains can help fund healing, hope, and support for survivors of sexual abuse.

By using Easyfundraising or Give as You Live, you can turn every purchase into a small act of compassion - at no extra cost to you.

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How to Support S.H.E. UK While You Shop

You can raise free donations for S.H.E. UK through:

• Easyfundraising
• Give as You Live

Both work in a similar way: retailers pay a percentage of your purchase back to us as a donation, and it doesn’t cost you a penny.

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Step-by-Step: How to Use Easyfundraising

1. Visit the Easyfundraising website.
2. Create an account — it’s quick, free, and takes less than two minutes.
3. Search for “S.H.E. UK” and choose us as your cause.
4. Browse your favourite retailers through the Easyfundraising site or app.
5. Shop as normal.
6. The retailer sends a free donation to S.H.E. UK when you complete your purchase.

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Step-by-Step: How to Use Give as You Live

1. Go to the Give as You Live website.
2. Sign up for an account at no cost.
3. Select S.H.E. UK as the charity you want to support.
4. Install the optional donation reminder — it helps you never miss a chance to give.
5. Choose a retailer and start shopping.
6. A percentage of what you spend is donated automatically.

Every time you shop through these platforms, you help us continue providing vital emotional support services to survivors. Your Black Friday deals could fund the kind of support that stays with someone long after the sales have ended.

When you shop through Easyfundraising or Give as You Live, you’re not just saving money — you’re helping someone rebuild their life with strength and dignity.

Because at the end of the day, the best deals are the ones that help someone heal.

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Please Support Us

💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

3–7 November 2025 marks Trustees’ Week, which is a time to recognise the incredible contribution that trustees make to charities across the UK.

At S.H.E. UK, we’re proud to have a dedicated and diverse Board of Trustees who volunteer their time, expertise, and passion to guide our charity’s mission: empowering survivors of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation through long-term, person-centred support.

This week, we want to shine a light on the amazing people behind the governance and leadership of S.H.E. UK. These are the individuals who bring experience, empathy, and purpose to everything we do.

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💜 Jacqui Lewis – Founder Member

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💜 Reena Pastakia – Chair of the Board

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💜 Jenny Lewis – Trustee

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💜 Debbie Porter – Trustee

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💜 Corinna Del Debbio – Trustee

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💜 Mila Evanics – Trustee

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💜 Anna Farrell – Treasurer

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💜 Thank You To Our Trustees

Our trustees are volunteers who give their time, insight, and leadership to ensure S.H.E. UK continues to grow sustainably and stay true to its mission. Their expertise helps us to plan strategically, operate safely, and provide the very best long-term support for survivors.

As we celebrate Trustees’ Week 2025, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to Reena, Jacqui, Jenny, Debbie, Corinna, Mila, and Anna. Each Trustee on the Board plays a part in helping S.H.E. UK create lasting, life-changing impact.

Together, you guide us, challenge us, and help us shine. 💙

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Please Support Us

 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

From 8–15 October, every pound you donate to the SHE-roes Lounge & Peer Group through the Big Give campaign will be doubled, at no extra cost to you. That means your £10 becomes £20, £50 becomes £100 twice the impact, twice the hope.

Why We Need You

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often carry invisible scars that shape every part of their lives - their confidence, relationships, and sense of self-worth. For many, the trauma is complex and long-lasting, and traditional services can’t always meet the need for ongoing emotional and social support.

That’s where the SHE-roes Lounge & Peer Group comes in.

We provide a safe, welcoming space where survivors can heal, grow, and rebuild their lives together.

But demand for our groups is rising fast, and we urgently need your help to reach everyone who needs support.

What the SHE-roes Lounge Does

Our weekly sessions offer a blend of self-development, creative expression, and community. Every session helps survivors reconnect — not just with others, but with themselves.

Why This Week Matters

The Big Give campaign runs for just one week – from 8 to 15 October. During this time, every donation will be matched pound-for-pound, meaning your gift goes twice as far in helping survivors heal.

Our £10,000 Big Give target will fund two years of life-changing support for women survivors. Here’s how we’ll use every pound:

• £7,000 – Facilitators and support staff
  To deliver self-development courses, creative sessions, and offer vital emotional support.
• £2,000 – Project management
  Covering monitoring, evaluation, administration, and financial management to keep the programme running smoothly.
• £1,000 – Overheads
  Including utilities, rent, internet, phone, and supplies — the essentials that keep the SHE-roes Lounge doors open and welcoming.

When you donate during the Big Give week (8–15 October), your contribution is matched pound-for-pound, meaning we can raise the full £10,000 to sustain and expand this crucial service.

Please donate here whilst the Big Give is underway from 8-15 October: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000004W8wDYAS  

Together, We Heal

Every woman deserves a chance to heal, grow, and thrive — free from shame and isolation.
By supporting the SHE-roes Lounge & Peer Group this October, you’re not just giving money — you’re giving hope, community, and the chance for survivors to reclaim their futures.

💜 Give between 8–15 October
💜 See your donation doubled
💜 Help survivors rebuild their lives

👉 Donate now to SHE-roes Lounge via the Big Give

Please Support Us

💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

We’re delighted to share some uplifting news about one of our former trainee counsellors, Jess Gill, who will be representing the UK in the upcoming Miss Voluptuous International Pageant, taking place in the UK this October.

Jess volunteered with S.H.E. UK in 2020 as part of her counselling training. Now a qualified counsellor with her own private practice, Jess has chosen to support S.H.E. UK as her nominated charity for the competition.

As part of the pageant, each entrant selects a cause close to their heart to fundraise for, and Jess has chosen S.H.E. UK because of her personal connection to our work. Speaking about her decision, Jess shared:

“I really value the work S.H.E. does – it is so important. S.H.E. provides holistic services which are vital for survivors of trauma.”

Jess, who is also a singer, will be performing at local venues in Newark throughout the autumn to raise funds for S.H.E. UK. Her first gig has been confirmed at the YMCA Newark, which a lovely community venue, on 28th September around midday. 

Thanks to our involvement in the Big Give match funding campaign this October, all donations raised during that week will be doubles – meaning they will have double the impact, enabling us to continue to support survivors to move forward in their lives.  

The Miss Voluptuous International pageant celebrates empowerment, self-love, and body positivity. For Jess, it is about “celebrating her body with love and compassion” and breaking free from shame, while inspiring others to follow their goals.

We are proud to have Jess championing S.H.E. UK on an international stage, and we are deeply grateful for her support.

You can follow Jess’s journey on Instagram: @jess_curve_uk

Please Support Us

💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

At S.H.E. UK, supporting mental health isn’t just part of the work we do with survivors, it’s something we actively nurture within our team too. That’s why we’re proud to share that five members of our team have recently completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, equipping them with the tools to support mental wellbeing in the workplace and beyond.

This training enables our team to:
- Spot the early signs of mental health challenges
- Offer immediate, non-judgemental support
- Signpost individuals to the right professional help
- Champion open, honest conversations about mental health

Mental health support is vital, especially in an environment where we are working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Being able to look after each other as a team is essential to sustaining the work we do.

In addition to the five team members who are now MHFA trained, Rachael and Lisa will also be undertaking full MHFA accreditation, ensuring we have even more experienced mental health advocates across the organisation.

We’ve also taken steps to ensure everyone in our space knows support is available. Posters are being displayed throughout the building to remind staff, volunteers, and visitors that it’s okay to speak up, and that we’re here to listen.

This training is just one part of our wider commitment to wellbeing, resilience, and trauma-informed practice, for our clients, our staff, and our wider community.

💙 If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t stay silent. Talk to someone.

We’re incredibly grateful to share that Rothera Bray Solicitors recently presented S.H.E. UK with a cheque for £953, generously donated from an unclaimed deceased estate.

While this donation came as a surprise, it is a meaningful reminder of a lesser-known process in the legal world: when someone passes away and no beneficiaries can be traced, under requirements set by Solicitors Regulation Authority, the remaining funds in their estate must, after a certain period, be donated to a charitable organisation.

This process is not unique to Rothera Bray - all solicitors are legally obliged to follow this protocol when handling unclaimed estates.

Supporting Survivors, Thanks to Kindness

This unexpected gift will help us continue to provide long-term, person-centred support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and sexual violence. The support we offer includes counselling, peer-led groups, and community advocacy.

Rothera Bray offers a range of legal services – including providing legal support for victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, advising survivors on their legal options whilst considering a claim for compensation. We extend our warmest thanks to Rothera Bray Solicitors for their thoughtful decision to direct these funds to S.H.E. UK, and for recognising the importance of our work in supporting survivors on their healing journey.

A Call to Other Solicitors

If you or your firm are managing unclaimed estates that are eligible for charitable distribution, we would be honoured to be considered as a recipient. Donations like this help us reach more survivors and strengthen our services across Nottinghamshire and beyond.

💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

Pictured L-R: Seetal Patel (Solicitor), Marie Walls (Business Development & Marketing Director) from Rothera Bray and Lisa Lenton (CEO), Rachael Cumberland (Operations Manager) from S.H.E. UK

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Farrell to the Board of Trustees at S.H.E. UK as our new Treasurer. Anna brings a powerful combination of experience in financial management, risk oversight, and organisational governance, making her a valuable addition to the strategic leadership of the charity.

Anna currently works as a Transformation Analyst in the Insurance sector, where she supports major change initiatives with a focus on financial discipline and operational improvement. With a background in psychology and several years of experience in Portfolio Management Office roles, Anna combines analytical and organisational skills with a deep interest in mental health and long-term support systems.

Anna shared her motivation for joining the Board:

“I was drawn to S.H.E. UK because of its commitment to person-centred, long-term support for survivors. With a background in psychology and experience in financial governance, I’m excited to bring my experience to support and contribute to such vital and impactful work.”

Outside of work, Anna is a keen triathlete, finding balance through training and enjoying the outdoors after long days in the office.

Reena Pastakia, Chair of the Board of Trustees, welcomed the appointment:

“We are delighted to welcome Anna to the Board as our new Treasurer. Her financial expertise and passion for mental health align strongly with our mission, and we are confident she will be a fantastic asset in helping us maintain and grow our support for survivors.”

Anna’s appointment strengthens S.H.E. UK’s governance and finance capabilities as we continue to expand and enhance our support services.

💙 To support our work and help us provide life-changing support to survivors, consider donating today: https://localgiving.org/charity/she-uk

We are delighted to share some fantastic news—our contract with the Police and Crime Commissioner, which was due to expire in March, has been renewed for at least another year. This renewal ensures that we can continue providing vital outreach therapy services in Bassetlaw, supporting those in need within the community. The funding also contributes to our SHE-roes Lounge and Peer group, supporting women from across the county – to build confidence, reduce isolation and create healthy connections.

This extension is a testament to the importance of the services we provide and the positive impact they have had in Bassetlaw and the wider county. It allows us to maintain continuity for our clients, ensuring they continue to receive support and empowerment to move forward on their healing journey.

“We are thrilled by this decision,” said Chief Executive Officer for S.H.E. UK, Lisa Lenton. “The renewal of this contract means we can carry on delivering essential therapy services to some of the most vulnerable and isolated members of our community. It’s a crucial step in ensuring no one is left without the help they need.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola leads on the Violence Against Women and Girls agenda on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden.

She said: “We are delighted to extend the contract with S.H.E. UK, which will allow them to continue providing invaluable support to survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Bassetlaw.

“Supporting survivors is a fundamental pillar of our VAWG strategy in Nottinghamshire, and the service S.H.E. UK provides is helping deliver that aim and to make Nottinghamshire safer for all.”

We are grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for their continued belief in our work and the opportunity to serve the Bassetlaw community.

Help Us Expand Our Reach
While this contract renewal is wonderful news, the demand for our outreach therapy services continues to grow. With your support, we can extend these vital services even further. Donate today to help us make a bigger impact and bring hope to even more people in need.

https://localgiving.org/charity/she-uk

We look forward to continuing this vital work and sharing more updates in the months to come. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Pictured (L-R): Angela Kandola (Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner), Lisa Lenton (CEO, S.H.E. UK), Rachael Cumberland (Operations Manager, S.H.E. UK), Briony Verma (VAWG Commissioning Officer, OPCC for Nottinghamshire)