Sarah became a trustee in 2007 after seeing a presentation about the work of Lighthouse Women’s Aid. Following some changes to the Board she became Chair in November 2023 for the second time, having previously served as Chair between 2009 and 2015. Sarah also regularly volunteers in the office at the Women’s Centre.

Sarah’s career as a Civil Servant and Local Government Officer spanned many years and she retired from paid work in 2017. In her retirement she now enjoys travelling with her husband and greyhound in their caravan, and spending time with family and friends locally and family 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.

Sandra became a trustee in 2012, prompted by her own work within the voluntary sector, and an understanding of how vital it is to have organisations like this to support women and children facing abuse. Sandra became the Trust Board Treasurer in November 2024.

 Sandra has many years’ experience working in the public sector, mainly working within communities across Suffolk, to deliver projects to improve the road network, and encourage more sustainable travel. She now delivers measures to protect communities and homes from the impact of climate change. For over seven years she has been an Independent Panel Member for the Suffolk Fostering and Adoption Service, meeting new and reviewing existing foster carers, which is a role that provides additional insight into how valuable organisations such as Lighthouse is.

 She has two grown up children, and in her spare time enjoys spending time gardening and visiting the Suffolk coast whilst staying at her caravan in the Waveney Valley.

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

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.

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.