We are delighted to announce that here at The Water Lily Project, we have expanded our team.
Tracie Billington-Beardsley joins us as a Part Time Marketing Assistant. A former woman’s editor for The Daily Echo in Southampton and a magazine journalist with IPC Magazines, she brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, PR and journalism to the charity. Tracie has also worked in radio, television, marketing, advertising and PR (including work for charity Forest Holme Hospice) so brings a huge amount of media experience to her role. Tracie says: “I’m delighted to be working for such a worthwhile charity and keen to help raise its profile to make sure more people get to hear about the great work going on here at Water Lily.”
Three other ladies join the Water Lily team as 1 to 1 Support Workers who work closely to support and empower vulnerable women on Christchurch and surrounding areas.
Bev McKay started her career in nursing. After a career break to bring up five children, she became a Mental Health and Wellbeing trainer consultant and coach. She is also trained in counselling and a tutor in mental health and wellbeing awareness courses as well as a qualified mental health first aider.
Anita Dalkin moved to the UK from America in 2002. Having studied Cross Cultural Studies and Psychology, she brings invaluable experience to her role and has worked as a Support Worker with refugees and vulnerable migrants. Anita is also a talented artist and is keen to help people through her creative talents.
Jacquie Holt joined The Water Lily Project in May of this year as Covid took a grip. Jacquie’s credentials include working on the famous BBC children’s TV programme Blue Peter, teaching English to Japanese ladies and as a supervisor at NSPCC ChildLine. She says: “I came to The Water Lily Project as a volunteer befriender doing crafts and taking part in the lunches. I enjoyed my conversations with the women so decided to seize the opportunity to work with the women in an even more meaningful way.”
We are very proud that The Water Lily Project is one of only a few charities offering 1 to 1 support for vulnerable women for a continued period – in some cases for an entire year. Charity manager Liz Carter explains: “These new appointments are so vital as the impact of lockdown in terms of domestic violence and mental health is revealed. We have a lot more women who need our help urgently.”
If you are a local business that may like to support The Water Lily Project with sponsorship or select it as your Charity of the Year, please contact marketing@waterlily.org.uk