Sarah became a trustee in 2007 after seeing a presentation about the work of Lighthouse Women’s Aid. She became chair in 2009 and served in this role until 2015. Sarah regularly volunteers in the office at the Women’s Centre, where she also co-facilitates courses and supports some of Lighthouse Women’s Aid clients in court. Following some changes on the Board, Sarah was appointed as Vice Chair in 2019.

Sarah’s career as a Civil Servant and Local Government Officer spanned many years and during her working life she gained an Open University Degree in Social Sciences and a Master’s in Public and Social Administration. Sarah retired in 2017 and enjoys travelling with her husband and 2 greyhounds in their caravan, and spending time with family locally and in Australia and America. Sarah also enjoys archery and shoots regularly with a local club.

Cynthia saw the effects of Domestic Violence through her role as a Magistrate which led her to apply to become a trustee with Lighthouse Women’s Aid in 2004. From November 2015 until November 2019 Cynthia was Chair of the Board of Trustees, having previously occupied the role of Vice Chair for several years.

Cynthia worked for many years with Eastern Electricity, in several different roles, followed by some time at Suffolk County Council in programme and project management. She currently works for another local charity, ActivLives, helping to run the organisation and managing the finances. Cynthia’s varied experience gives her a wealth of knowledge and expertise to bring to our Board of Trustees.

In her spare time Cynthia enjoys scuba diving, but prefers the warmer, clearer waters of the Caribbean and Indian Oceans to the more local North Sea.

Rebecca joined the Board of Trustees in the role of Treasurer in 2015, following many years working in financial and accountancy roles.

As a trustee, Rebecca regularly liaises with the Chief Executive and the Finance Manager, to monitor and ensure safe management of funds as well as the approval of a realistic budget at the commencement of each financial year.

Cath became a trustee in 2011. Cath’s working life began in Retail and then a career change found her working for the NHS in London gaining vast experience in project management of non-clinical support services.

Cath, now self employed, can juggle her work around her children and other commitments. She loves spending time with her young daughters making the most of their beach hut in all weathers.

Sandra became a trustee in 2012, prompted by the work she had heard that the charity does to support women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

Sandra has many years’ experience working in the public sector, mainly working with communities in Suffolk County Council. This includes eight years as both a County and Ipswich Borough Councillor. She currently works within the Environmental area of the County Council, is an Independent Panel Member for the Suffolk Fostering and Adoption Service, and a member of the Executive Committee of Ipswich Society.

She also helps to run her local Good Neighbour Scheme. She is divorced with two grown up children, and enjoys spending her spare time gardening and staying at her caravan near Lowestoft.

Judith joined the board in 2009. Judith has learnt a lot supporting Lighthouse Women’s Aid with visits to the Refuge and volunteering regularly at the Women’s Centre. She finds the work at Lighthouse truly inspiring and is proud to be associated with our work.

Judith has previously worked with Suffolk College teaching and supporting students with additional needs such as disabilities or learning difficulties, her final post there was Director of Student Support.

Since retiring Judith has joined two very different dance classes and studies part time for a research degree.

Nina has spent her career to date supporting children, young people and families in a wide variety of public, private, charitable and community settings.

She is the Operations Director of a social care and education company based in Suffolk and is involved with the development of new business and the governance of existing services giving her some skills which will be useful to the board of trustees.

Living locally Nina spends her spare time with her husband, family and friends, and particularly with her large collection of wonderful grandchildren, but previous difficult times led Nina to enquire about being a trustee for the organisation which she is happy to be quoted as saying ‘changed her life’.

Zoe became a trustee in 2022. Zoe was raised in Ipswich, moving away for university before returning after the birth of her daughter

Zoe, now self employed, owns a small business in the town as well as organising community events. She enjoys sewing and knitting and teaches classes in her spare time.