West Cornwall Women’s Aid (WCWAid) has announced its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will retire from the role after working within the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector for more than 20 years. Lizzie started her career in the women’s sector in her mid-20s as a volunteer with Worcester Rape Crisis.
Lizzie first joined WCWAid as Volunteer Coordinator in 2004, before becoming Refuge Manager until 2009. She then worked for two separate VAWG organisations as Project Manager and later as Business Development Manager. She also led the Open Service for women in the criminal justice system. Lizzie rejoined WCWAid in 2018 and was appointed as CEO in June 2021. Throughout this time, she has worked tirelessly to put WCWAid on the map as an organisation campaigning to end violence against women and girls.

Lizzie successfully managed refuge operations through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring staff remained on site to support women and children during lockdowns.

As CEO, Lizzie has worked to secure Women’s Aid National Quality Standards Accreditation for the WCWAid and introduced the first Women’s Aid accredited educational group work programme, Power to Change.

She launched Maura Place, a visible community hub supporting women and girls in Penzance and surrounding areas and secured a 10-year delivery contract with Cornwall Council, transforming the refuge from operating without a formal contract to a sustainable, updated service model.

Lizzie has helped WCWAid becoming a lead partner in 16 Days Penzance, an annual community collaboration and established the first formal partnership agreement with The Women’s Centre and Konnect Communities – the Krefta Partnership.

Lizzie said: “It has been my great privilege to lead West Cornwall Women’s Aid for the past four and a half years. I’m very proud of the partnerships we have achieved, of the Women’s Aid accreditation and of the premises renovation that we have recently undertaken with the help of Penzance Town Fund. The campaigning work, as part of 16 Days of Activism Penzance, has been a particular highlight for me, working with passionate individuals and organisations. Most of all, I am proud to have been part of an organisation which has helped so many women and children, and has such wonderful staff and volunteers, as well as a strong board of trustees”

Kirsty Arthur, Chair of the Board of Trustees at West Cornwall Women’s Aid, said: “We are incredibly grateful for Lizzie’s hard work and commitment throughout her career at West Cornwall Women’s Aid. “We want to congratulate and thank her for her decades working to improve the lives for women and girls across Cornwall and beyond and wish her a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Gill Pipkin will be taking over Lizzie’s responsibilities on an interim basis and assist the Board with recruiting a long-term CEO.

Lizzie Matthews Biography

WCWAid Career Timeline
September 2004 – Joined WCWAid as Volunteer Coordinator.
2005–2009 – Promoted to Refuge Manager.
November 2018 – Rejoined WCWAid as Refuge Manager.
June 2021–Present – Appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Key Achievements & Highlights for WCWAid
- Designed and delivered a new volunteer training programme and recruitment drive.
- Raised refuge standards to meet Supporting People requirements, introducing:
- Standardised risk and support assessments
- Individual support plans
- Formal staff supervision
- Annual staff appraisals
- Successfully managed refuge operations throughout the COVID19 pandemic, ensuring staff remained on site to support women and children during lockdowns.

As CEO
- Achieved Women’s Aid National Quality Standards Accreditation.
- Secured a 10-year delivery contract with Cornwall Council, transforming the refuge from operating without a formal contract to a sustainable, updated service model
- Established WCWAid’s first formal partnership agreement with The Women’s Centre and Konnect Communities – the Krefta Partnership, contracted to Cornwall Council.
- Became lead partner in 16 Days Penzance, a community collaboration, coordinating the annual solidarity walk and vigil on the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against   Women and Girls (25th November).
- Put West Cornwall Women’s Aid on map as an organisation campaigning to end Violence Against Women and Girls.
- Launched Maura Place, a visible community hub supporting women and girls.
- Introduced first Women’s Aid accredited - educational group work programme  Power to Change
- Professionalised and expanded the counselling service: Now over 15 counsellors and 45 women in counselling,
- Recognised as an exemplary provider of student counselling placements due to high-quality training and supervision.
- Ensured all delivery staff receive trauma informed training and established a trauma informed ethos throughout the organisation

Personal Career Achievements
- Served as Business Development Manager for The Women’s Centre Cornwall for 7 years.
- Introduced and managed the IRIS project, collaborating with GP surgeries across Cornwall to implement clinical enquiry into domestic abuse and establish a clear support pathway.
- Developed and managed the highly successful Open Service for women in the criminal justice system
- Delivered trauma-informed community services, commissioned by The Probation Service and delivered across three counties.

About Gill Pipkin

Gill has led a varied career in the private, public and charity sector including as CEO at Citizens Advice Cornwall, where she took a near-failing service and, in under four years led it to become one of the region’s most respected institutions, securing over £1.6 million annually, delivering £25 million in client financial gains, and embedding values-led leadership across a 200-strong team.
Gill is proud to serve as a Non-Executive Director at Coastline Housing and holds multiple trustee roles including with Cornwall Community Foundation, Duke of Cornwall Charitable Foundation, Kingston Citizens Advice and Konnect Communities.

Domestic abuse and sexual violence are deeply traumatic experiences that can shake the very core of a person's being. They leave scars not just on the body, but on the mind and soul as well. In this post, we offer some gentle, uplifting tips for nurturing your well-being.

Understanding the Journey

1. Embracing Your Feelings

• It's okay to feel scared, anxious, or sad. These emotions are natural responses to what you've been through.
• Recognise that you're not alone in your struggles, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it.

2. Finding Strength in Healing

• Healing takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey.
• Celebrate even the smallest victories and moments of joy along the way.

3. Building Self-Compassion

• Replace self-blame with kindness and understanding. You deserve love and compassion, especially from yourself.
• Treat yourself as you would a dear friend – with empathy, care, and support.

Tips for Nurturing Your Mental Health

1. Reach Out for Support

• Connect with people who uplift and support you. Share your story with trusted friends, family, or a support group.
• Consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counsellor who can offer professional help and validation.

2. Practice Gentle Self-Care

• Engage in activities that bring you comfort and joy, whether it's curling up with a good book, taking a soothing bath, or spending time in nature.
• Listen to your body's needs and honor them with kindness and compassion.

3. Cultivate Resilience Through Boundaries

• Set healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Learn to say no to anything that doesn't feel right or safe.
• Surround yourself with people who respect and honor your boundaries.

4. Challenge Negative Thoughts with Love

• Counteract self-doubt and negative self-talk with affirmations of self-love and worthiness.
• Remind yourself of your strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

5. Prioritise Safety and Empowerment

• If you're still in an unsafe situation, prioritise your safety above all else. Reach out to local resources or helplines for support and guidance.
• Take steps to reclaim your power and autonomy, knowing that you have the strength to create a life free from violence.

6. Educate Yourself with Kindness

• Learn about trauma and its effects on mental health with a compassionate heart. Understand that healing is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.
• Seek out resources and information that empower you to take control of your healing process.

7. Connect with Your Tribe

• Surround yourself with understanding and supportive individuals who lift you up and encourage your growth.
• Reach out to online communities, support groups, or advocacy organisations where you can connect with fellow survivors who share your experiences.

Your Journey to Wholeness

Healing from domestic abuse and sexual violence is a journey of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Remember that you are worthy of love, safety, and happiness. By nurturing your mental health with kindness and compassion, you can reclaim your sense of self and create a life filled with hope and healing. You're not alone on this journey – we're here to support you every step of the way.

Mindfulness offers invaluable support to women healing from trauma caused by abuse. By fostering self-awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion, it helps survivors feel safer and more empowered. Through practices like grounding in the present moment, reconnecting with the body, and building resilience, mindfulness provides essential tools for navigating the healing journey with warmth and strength.

Here are five mindful practices you can incorporate into daily life:

1. Start with the breath: Begin your mindfulness practice by focusing on your breath. Close your eyes and pay attention to the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your body. This helps anchor your attention to the present moment.
2. Observe without judgment: Practice observing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judging them as good or bad. Simply notice them as they arise and let them pass without getting caught up in them. This cultivates a non-reactive awareness.
3. Use all your senses: Engage all your senses in the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. This helps ground you in the here and now, enhancing your awareness of your surroundings.
4. Take mindful breaks: Incorporate short mindfulness breaks throughout your day. Set aside a few minutes to pause and bring your attention to the present moment. This could be during routine activities like eating, walking, or even just sitting quietly.
5. Engage in mindful activities: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities such as washing dishes, walking, or even brushing your teeth. Pay attention to the sensations, movements, and experiences of these tasks, bringing your full awareness to the present moment.

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that takes practice, so be patient with yourself and allow yourself to gradually develop your awareness over time.

Our compassionate team is here to support women who have experienced abuse as they incorporate mindfulness practices into their healing journey, providing a safe and nurturing environment.

Helpline: 01736 367543

Email: support@wcwaid.co.uk

Calling for an end to all gender-based violence, this year’s 16 Days of Activism Penzance campaign, takes place in and around the town from Saturday November 25^th through to Sunday December 10^th.

Open to all, West Cornwall Women's Aid and other local organisations have put together a varied programme of events throughout the 16 Days, focusing on raising awareness around the issues of gender related violence, promoting healthy behaviours and wellbeing, as well as inspiring action to bring about real change.

On Saturday November 25^th, dancers from The Big Dance Company will again take to the streets of West Cornwall to perform a Flashmob with a powerful message. Highlighting the damaging effects of domestic abuse on children and young people, watch out for them in Camborne, Redruth, Truro and St Ives.

A focal point of the 16 Days is the Take Back The Night Walk and Vigil, remembering and honouring all the women who have lost their lives at the hands of their partner, or former partner, or someone they know. Join this year’s walk on Wednesday November 29^th, leaving at 5.30pm from Wherrytown Skatepark, along the Promenade to St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street, where a candlelit vigil will be held. Looking to raise awareness and call for accountability, everyone is welcome to walk in solidarity together, be up-standers not bystanders, and help bring about an end to gender-based violence, both in our community and the wider world.

Other events include:

• cold water swimming sessions off Battery Rocks
• drop-in classes at the Old School Studio, Newlyn where you can try yoga, pilates, or relax with a mini-massage
• a Q&A screening of ‘Yama’, a documentary about Ghanian female surfers and skaters, hosted by Sustainable Pz
• an invitation to visit West Cornwall Women’s Aid’s community building for an Open Afternoon
• a Women in Politics discussion at Hypatia Trust
• Courageous Conversations Training; Working with Abusive Behaviours lunch and learn
• Bystander Training opportunities for publicans, and night time economy businesses, but also for anyone wanting to know how they can respond and intervene safely, if they see someone at risk
• an Out of Sink Sisterhood synchronised swim taster in the Jubilee Geothermal pool
• plus fundraising coffee mornings, a fun pub quiz, and a Groove Lounge DJ night.

Lizzie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer at West Cornwall Women’s Aid said:

“Violence against women and girls remains a constant threat, which we only need to look at the number of high profile stories in the media in recent months to be aware of. We are calling on our local community to show their solidarity by joining us on 29^th November and sending the message that gender-based violence must end.”

£2,950 grant funding has been provided by Penzance Council for the event and the wider 16 Days of Activism. Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds, said:

“This is a powerful event with a powerful message, on an issue which is too often seen as someone else’s problem. We owe it to current future generations to call out gender-based violence, and to do all we can to make where we live a safe space for women and girls.”

All dates, times, venues and booking information, are listed on the website  www.16dayspenzance.co.uk  or Facebook page www.facebook.com/16dayspenzance.

Join WCWAid and Liz Tyrrell, maker of the iconic Penzance town flags, at our free banner making workshops in October and November.

We will be creating and collaborating on individual and joint pieces, designed to be carried and displayed during the Penzance memorial walk and vigil, honouring the lives of women and girls lost to male violence.

Since the start of the year, 78 women and girls over the age of 13 have been killed in circumstances in which a man or men are the main suspect in the UK.

Our workshops will offer all women a safe space to express their loss and commemorate the lives of those women through a creative outlet. Members of staff will be alongside to support those who attend.

To book a place, please contact communityservices@wcwaid.co.uk or call 01736 367543 and ask for Hayley.

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