By women, for women - The Wayfinder Trust

Thursday, 16 March 2023 09:00

By Editorial team

The WayfinderWoman Trust is an Eastbourne based charity to help guide and support women. This might be with a clear-cut goal or simply to help pinpoint their next move. It could be to help build confidence, to stand up on their own and give them the strength to take that next step. Whatever the need, WayfinderWoman are on hand.

“We are a mutual support community run by women for women,” said founder Laura Murphy when we chatted recently. “This is a safe, warm space. Women can come here and talk openly, listen and understand each other and challenge stereotypes.” All this can be found at the hub, and much more too: one-to-one chats, courses, seminars, volunteering opportunities, tech support, free WiFi access, and online and telephone resources too.
WayfinderWoman was born out of a session that Laura ran when she was involved with the Sussex Learning Awards, at around 2013. Only women attended and the atmosphere was apparently, inspirational. “It was a wonderful environment where women talked honestly about their insecurities with no judgement, things like having to leave meetings early to pick up children.” Laura saw the potential in this and set up pro bono ‘clubs’; and in 2017 they were granted charitable status. She wanted to help others have a smoother journey through life – namely a career and motherhood – than she had experienced. As she said, “I always felt I could do better.”

All walks of women visit WayfinderWoman, either dropping into the hub, calling or using their online resources. “We now have women from all over the world seeking our advice. Recently, we have been helping highly qualified women from overseas to transfer their qualifications to be recognised in the UK, rebuilding their confidence and helping them find jobs,” said Laura. “We also have lots of women seeking advice to help with the current cost of living crises.”

As a charity WayfinderWoman is predominantly run by volunteers. This gives out of work women the opportunity to learn office skills, events organisation and helps to massively boosts confidence. “We provide references for our volunteers and over 85% of them go on to find paid employment,” explained Laura.

Another key aspect of their work is reaching out to employers. They help employers realise the benefits of offering a supportive and nurturing working environment for women, and with the voice of their Trustee Katie Day, WayfinderWoman have spoken about menopause in Parliament and caught the attention of MPs.

Since 2017, WayfinderWoman have been awarded grants from the National Lottery, and this year for the first time they received a £100,000 grant. This has enabled the charity to employ two women part time, to keep their hub open 7 days a week, and reach their support further afield. “We would love to grow to other counties and make WayfinderWoman a national charity to provide the type of support we do all over the country,” said Laura.

www.wayfinderwoman.com

More from People

Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains
Hip Hip Hooray

Reduced mobility as life evolves is something many people have to come to terms with, and sometimes the issue requires surgery, so we sent Robert Veitch to learn more about hip replacements from the top orthopaedic surgeon, Hugh Apthorp
The Joy of the Repair Café

Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution
An Unlikely Retirement

Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement
Matters of the Heart

Jason Palmer, Volunteer Trustee and Director of The Sussex Heart Charity explains what this award winning charity do to save lives in Sussex
Rushfields: Celebrating 40 Years

As Rushfields Plant Centre in Poynings gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, James Forryan talked to founders Colin and Kathryn Langridge about the keys to their longevity and what they’ve learned over their 40 years in business
Interview: Comedian Connor Burns brings his Vertigo tour to Sussex

With his new touring show Vertigo about to arrive in Sussex, we talk to Scottish comedian Connor Burns
A Double Dose: Interview with Michael Mosley and Clare Bailey

Husband and wife health gurus Dr Michael Mosley and Dr Clare Bailey are on a mission to bring healthy eating and living to the masses. They talk to Sara Whatley about their upcoming tour and the health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet...
You've Got a Friend

Mid Sussex charity Befriended has grown so much since it’s beginnings in 2017. Gail Miller tells Sara Whatley what they have been up to
Charity: Community Transport Sussex

Community Transport Sussex is an unlikely hero, but one that plays a crucial role in connecting local communities, Marie Claire Macintosh explains more about this valuable service
Mat Osman: A Record of Creativity

Local boy, founding member of the band Suede and now author, Mat Osman speaks to Sara Whatley about creativity, his brother Richard Osman and making people cry
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Robert Smith

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Dame Julie Walters

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Piers Morgan

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
In conversation with the team at Peper Harow Socks, Sussex.

Founded in 2013, Peper Harow is a brand of men’s and women’s luxury cotton socks that are ethically and sustainably made in the UK in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.
We speak to an expert about special needs in children

The number of school pupils in the UK with special educational needs increased to 1.49 million in 2022. Between 2% and 5% of school-aged children have ADHD and nearly 2% are on the autistic spectrum. But there’s still a remarkable lack of awareness about how children with neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia can be supported in mainstream schools.
International Women's Day 2023: in conversation with Iris De Kan, Easyjet Pilot

Who do you picture when you think of an airline captain? Something along the lines of Captain Sully I would imagine – male, middle aged and greying. Today I’m speaking to one of only 6% of female pilots in the world, Captain Iris de Kan, who is female, 35 and blond – the antithesis of old Sully over there.
Putting women back on the map - Kate Mosse

It is always the right moment to bring women’s stories to the forefront, suggested award-winning novelist Kate Mosse as she told me about her new non-fiction work, Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries, How Women (Also) Built The World.
Interview with Jake Messham, Wall Of Death Rider

Video

If you're lucky enough to witness a Wall of Death show you'll know the intoxicating mixture of wonder and terror as heart-stopping stunts are performed under your nose. Sara Whatley met with Jake Messham, a star rider and motorcycle trickster.
Moving On Up With Jonathan Lea

It has been a busy and productive twelve months for the Jonathan Lea Network, a fast-growing and far-sighted firm of solicitors based in Sussex, as Peter d’Aguilar recently discovered, in conversation with Jonathan Lea

By women, for women - The Wayfinder Trust

Share

More from People