Louise tells us about making her speech at the CWN gala dinner

A few years ago Louise's (pictured right) life hit rock bottom and she could see no other way out other than committing suicide.  Then she came to Platform 51, the women's charity that supports girls and women as they take control of their lives. The courses and staff at Platform 51 gave her the confidence and support that she needed to move through this dark time. Last week she attended the City Women's Network's Annual gala dinner along with a number of attendees from Platform 51 - including CEO Penny Newman (pictured left)- and made a moving and touching speech about how she now has dreams for the future. This is what she said about the event:

About the City Women's Network gala dinner

How did you feel making your speech at the City Women's Network gala dinner?

I felt excited, I was really looking forward to it. I felt like I was finally doing something that I would enjoy. It was out of my comfort zone. I was challenging myself and I haven't done that for a long time.

The only time I felt a bit nervous was when I was standing behind Penny as she was doing her speech. I was about to share something very personal with strangers. Once I had done it I felt elated. I felt absolutely great. I will never get an opportunity like this again so I just got up and did it.

What was it like to receive a standing ovation?

Very overwhelming. I was very shocked, I didn't expect it. I was proud of myself. I made a room full of high calibre professional women feel proud of me. Not everyone can do that.

About Platform 51

What do you do now that you didn't do before you came to Platform 51?

I spend time with friends, socialise. I am not alone anymore or trapped. I got all this from the confidence that I got from taking the courses at Platform 51.

What does your future look like now?

Brighter, more opportunities and happier.

What do you think your life would be like without Platform 51?

I would probably be dead, and if not, it would be very dark, I would have no confidence and I would be very isolated.

What advice would you give to other women who found themselves in the same position as you?

They should open up to somebody. They should visit a Platform 51 centre or ring one and ask where they can get support and guidance in their area.

You volunteer for Platform 51 now. What made you want to do this?

I have been a fundraising volunteer and done a dualatalon (running and cycling event) and a school fair. I have even got my mum to volunteer in the café. I can't just take - I have to give back some of the money that has been spent on me. I am planning more fundraising events. I will never give up on this place now.

What is the best thing about Platform 51?

For me, it has given me a new lease of life and allowed me to make something of myself.

For all women, it is a safe haven for women from any background. They can come and discuss and talk about their problems.

Why are Platform 51 courses so important for women?

The courses help women to rebuild what has fallen down around them. They help to build confidence and self esteem. So that that they can become their own person again.

Louise recently found the suicide note that she had once written and ripped it up and threw it away. Proof that she has moved on and taken control of her life.

If you would like to hear more about Louise's story then watch the video: A place to come on our You Tube channel.

A safe place for women to come to, no matter what

Lou was so ashamed of what she did she planned suicide. Diane used alcohol to blot out the traumas in her life and ended up in prison.

This new film explains how women's charity Platform 51 helped Lou and Diane turn their lives around.

Women offenders are some of the most vulnerable people in society: misunderstood, judged, isolated, devalued. We help them rebuild their lives. In our film you will meet Lou and Diane, two remarkable women  - we are so proud of them.

It costs £3,000 for us to run an eight-week programme like the one Diane and Lou attended. Please support us if you can so we can help more women escape the cycle of crime and rebuild their lives. 95% of the women who attend our programme do not re-offend.

Please support our work if you can. Thank you.

Platform 51 features in BBC documentary with John Humphrys

Last night the BBC aired the documentary The Future of the Welfare State with John Humphrys. In the documentary Humphrys travels throughout the UK and interviews those who currently use the welfare system. Platform 51’s centre in Knowsley featured in the programme. Humphrys interviewed Platform 51 Kelly Wright and young mum Gemma who goes to the centre.

The young mums group

The young mums group in Knowsley were filmed for the documentary. The young mums expressed some of the problems that they face when looking for work: inflexible working hours, childcare and a lack confidence.

What Platform 51 is doing

Platform 51's Kelly Wright explained to John Humphrys that the women at Platform 51 want to work and that is why they come to the centre. She explained how Platform 51 treats every woman as an individual because every woman is different. And how we encourage women to achieve - we don't tell them what to do.

If you did not see the documentary you can watch it again on BBC iPlayer. Platform 51 features 43 minutes into the programme.

Speaking up about trafficking, drugs and prostitution

Students from three Bristol schools visited Bristol City Council house last week to take part in a mock council meeting and debate with local City Councillors, including Barbara Janke (Liberal Democrats), Peter Hammond (Labour), Peter Abraham (Conservatives) and Tess Green (Green).

Organised by women's charity Platform 51, the event aimed to give young women the chance to speak out about subjects that matter to them. On the agenda were human trafficking, prostitution, drugs and alcohol. They also learned about how local government works; Steven McNamara, the council's legal officer, told the students about the council's roles and responsibilities.

The students had clearly done their homework on their chosen subject areas. They spoke with authority on Bristol's anti-trafficking protocol; the impact of the economic climate on migration, drugs and employment; the objectification of women; the role of a free market and its impact on trafficking, prostitution and drugs; the benefits of a living wage and the pros and cons of legalising sex work and drugs to name but a few.

Councillors were impressed and delighted by the knowledge and maturity that the students displayed. 

The students learned how  important local government is and about the power of speaking up. It made them feel confident and the chance to tell people what they thought was highly valued.

Perception-busting documentary

Truth About Youth is a project run by Platform 51 in Wales, funded by The Co-operative Foundation. It aims to challenge and change widespread negative perceptions of young people.

Last week the Caerdydd Youth Team (CYT) met a group of older people from the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise project to talk about working together. They want to make a film of what they have been doing.

Sixteen-year-old Lizzie, who put the idea of making a film to the group of 56 older people, said: "I was really nervous. But I got really excited when everyone wanted to get involved. I can't wait to get started on the documentary."

The film will show the young people working closely with older people to showcase their perception-busting work.

Doreen, from the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, said: "I am looking forward to seeing the documentary and really enjoy supporting this project."

Who goes? What do they do?

People who haven't been been to a women's centre often don't understand what goes on.

In this new film the women and staff at Platform 51's centre in Bilston show what goes on and explain what happens, what they do, how it helps and what it means to them.

We are looking for volunteers to join our Board of Trustees

Platform 51 is looking for volunteers to join our Board of Trustees.  In particular, we seek people who have financial, technological and marketing skills to offer.  Our Board of Trustees meet four times a year to lead and plan the strategic direction and objectives of the charity and to ensure its financial and operational sustainability.

If you believe you have the necessary skills and commitment to help us achieve our aims, please send an initial expression of interest to jobs@platform51.org More information to follow.

Discussing the issues women face today

Platform 51 will be holding a seminar at FEM11, the UK Feminista annual conference. The conference gets hundreds of campaigners and thinkers together to discuss the issues women face today and how to build a feminist future.

Platform 51's seminar, A different perspective: teenage mums and feminism, will give teenage mothers the chance to have their say about the challenges they face and open up discussion and debate about how best to ensure that campaigns for gender equality reflect the experiences of all girls and women.

The conference is on Saturday 12 November 2011 from 10.00-5.30pm at Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. Speakers include: Shami Chakrabarti (Liberty), Zoe Williams (The Guardian), Carlene Firmin (writer) and Bea Campbell (author and journalist).

There will also be workshops and seminars organised by: Fawcett Society, Abortion Rights, OBJECT, Southall Black Sisters, Women for Women International, Women's Resource Centre, Platform 51, Rights of Women, Centre for Women and Democracy, Women's Environmental Network, Imkaan, End Violence Against Women coalition, Women for Refugee Women and the White Ribbon Campaign.

Places are available to all, come and join in the debate and book your place today. For more information download the FEM11 flyer or visit the UK Feminista website.

Marsh Award winner announced

The first Marsh Award for Volunteering with Platform 51 was awarded to Lindsey Hills, from Platform 51 London West last week.

Lindsey, who has been coming to Platform 51 for eight years, was presented with her prize of £1,000. She was nominated her peers and the winner was chosen by city financier and award sponsor Mr Brian Marsh OBE. Runners up were Kayleigh Devlin and Kealy Hastick. The award recognises and honours the achievements of women in turning their lives around.

London West's centre manager Ruth Lowe said: "Lindsey came to Platform 51 in a bad relationship, no job and no confidence. Since then, through sheer perseverance, Lindsey has spoken in front of an audience of over 1000, met the former Prime Minister and represented Platform 51 at the Global YWCA conference in Zurich. Lindsey is now a manager of a children's centre and is working hard to create a bright future for herself and her two children. She is an inspiration!"

Check out photos of the event on our Facebook page and this 52-second video on YouTube.

Service Update

Since January 2011, Platform 51 has been a delivery partner in the NOMS Newday Service for women offenders and those at risk of offending in Wales, operating as a sub-contractor to the Working Links, which holds the main contract.

Proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for the service and the requirements for women using it to gain qualifications and employment mean that Platform 51 is no longer the provider best-placed to deliver this contract. Working Links and Platform 51 have therefore agreed to end the contract by mutual consent.

The Newday service in Wales will continue to be managed by Working Links, whose staff have considerable expertise in assisting people into employment. Platform 51 staff will continue to support women offenders and those at risk of offending in Wales through the NOMS Turnaround service and to work with women and girls through a range of services.

Working Links thanks the organisation for its work up until now and wishes it well for the future.

Women's choir sings for health

A women's community choir, Song birds, run by Platform 51 Nottingham gave a rousing performance to show off their new singing talents last week. A 100-strong audience heard the choir perform in a gallery at international arts venue the Nottingham Contemporary.

Get out, get active, get vocal

Funded by Nottingham City Council's sustainable communities fund, the choir was set up to help women from a range of ages and backgrounds - including those with mental health problems, learning disabilities, violent homes - get out, get active, get confident and get vocal.

Ten women took part on the day drawn from 16 women who made up the choir. "Singing with this choir has really boosted my confidence and has helped me start to conquer my anxiety," said one woman.

Nottingham City Transport generously provided bus passes so that the women taking part (some of who are homeless or unemployed) could easily get across town and take part.  "It's great to know that by providing our services free-of-charge, we've played a small part in a project that makes a big difference to the health and wellbeing of women in our local area" said Anthony Carver-Smith, Marketing Manager at Nottingham City Transport.

Seen and heard

Tracy Radford, Platform 51 Nottingham's manager, said: "Many of these women struggle with a lot of problems in their lives. Some came with their support workers to help them. Joining together to create something beautiful makes them feel so much better about themselves. They can be seen and heard at last!"

This choir member would agree: "Singing with this choir has been such a boost and clears my head. It has helped me find my voice again. This kind of initiative is so important for raising the spirits and giving a sense of wellbeing."

A breath of fresh air

Another women said: "Singing with this choir has been like a breath of fresh air. After years of battling with mental health problems and drugs and alcohol addiction, I have been in some horrible dark places. Every week this group has been friendly, supportive and positive which has brushed off in other areas of my life. Thank you. I hope we will be able to continue what we've started as it has been such a happy experience."

The benefits of the choir are clear to see - and hear! This initial project cost just £1,000 to run for 10 weeks. We are currently looking for more funds so we can continue to help women find their voice and feel better through song. Can you help?

Watch the Song birds' rendition of Down in the River to Pray on YouTube.

Inspirational women's conference

This month's YWCA World Council meeting in Switzerland has been a triumph. The YWCA of GB delegation to the event included service users Jenna from Bristol, Kayleigh from Northampton, Lindsey from West London and Marcia who works at our centre in Knowsley, Merseyside.

YWCA World Council takes place every four years and gives women from across the world the chance to meet to discuss what really matters to them: poverty, equality, health, human rights, war, violence against women, political inclusion and leadership. Women can share ideas, learn from each other and discuss matters which they can work on back in their own countries.

Kayleigh said: "I will leave this conference truly appreciating how amazing our organisation is. I go home with lots of ideas on ways to make our women's lives better."

Lindsey said:  "Wow what a week, words cannot explain what this week has given to me. The chance to meet people from all over the world was amazing. Listening to people express their stories and attending workshops opened my mind to realities that affect different countries."

Jenna said: "I have learnt so much and met some great new friends from around the world. I come away from World Council with lots of new ideas, inspired in carrying on the work I already do and to expand on it."

More photos of the event can now be seen on Platform 51's Facebook page.

Read the delegates’ full accounts of their experiences here.

Tragic loss of young lives mourned

Platform 51 would like to extend its sincere condolences to the people and government of Norway after Friday's tragedy in Oslo and Utoya which resulted in the loss of so many young lives.

This loss is particularly saddening to Platform 51, a charity and largest member of YWCA GB, whose mission has the welfare of girls at its very heart.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of those who have died, and we offer our thoughts and good wishes at this harrowing time to those who survived the atrocities.

We wish Norway, the bereaved families and those who survived much strength and fortitude in the days ahead.

Click here to see the message of condolence sent to the Norwegian YWCA-YMCA by Anna Magnusson, President of the European YWCAs.

Connecting women around the Globe

"We arrived in Zurich representing an organisation. We left belonging to a movement"

Three young women from Platform 51, formerly YWCA  attended the YWCA World Council in Zurich last week.

Jenna from Bristol, Kayleigh from Northampton and Lindsey from West London, accompanied by Platform 51 worker Marcia from Liverpool, represented YWCA GB at the YWCA World Council meeting.

The women got to meet delegates from around the world to discuss the problems facing women globally: human rights, sexual and reproductive rights, advocacy and leadership.

Here are the women's highlights and thoughts about the events:

Marcia's highlights were: "learning about all the countries and causes. To really feel a connection with other women and young women from around the world.  We felt we could relate to and be ourselves with them."

Kayleigh said: "I will leave this conference truly appreciating how amazing our organisation is. I go home with lots of ideas on ways to make women's lives better in Great Britain"

Lindsey said: "Wow what a week, words cannot explain what this week has given to me. The programme was so packed and having the chance to meet people from all over the world was amazing. Listening to peoples stories opened my mind to the realities of the problems in other countries. As a delegate it was great to feel supported and that my thoughts were accepted. I will definitely take back the information that I received from other countries and hope to use it in my local centre."

Jenna said: "I have had a truly amazing week I have learnt so much and met some great new friends from around the world and closer to home. I think as a delegation we all got on well and I knew that I could rely on them if I needed anything at all. I come away from World Council with lots of new ideas and inspired in carrying on the work I already do with Platform 51 and to expand on it."

The women wrote a blog about their experiences on the Platform 51
Facebook page.

This year's Queen's garden party

Every year we take a group of girls and women to The Queen's garden party. Women that have achieved a lot since they first came to Platform 51. This year Rebecca, aged 18 and Emma, aged 20 were part of this group and this is what they said about it:

"As we arrived we went through the grand entrance which was really impressive and then entered the gardens which were equally breathtaking. We explored the grounds taking in the views and the beautiful rose garden.

"Queen Elizabeth II then arrived to the national anthem and we waited for her to walk past us. She was wearing a lovely primrose suit and hat along with a well on trend pink feather. She was always smiling and looked so happy and much younger than we expected.

"We went over to see Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, who seemed really funny and down to earth. After this we met up with some ladies and a worker from the Platform 51 centre in Doncaster which was nice.

"It was then time for the garden party to draw to an end. The Queen exited to the national anthem. It was such an honour to be invited to this garden party and it felt like a great reward for some of the things we have done and been involved in. It was a wonderful day and a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget."

Women convene in Zurich

Three women from Platform 51, formerly YWCA, are currently attending YWCA World Council in Zurich.

Jenna from Bristol, Kayleigh from Northampton and Lindsey from West London, accompanied by Platform 51 worker Marcia from Liverpool, are representing YWCA GB at the YWCA World Council meeting.

The women have joined hundreds of delegates from YWCAs across the world to discuss the universal problems that women face today, including: human rights, sexual and reproductive rights, advocacy and leadership.

Jenna wrote on the Platform 51 Facebook page:

"Some countries still find it difficult to accept women as leaders. The example given was that men are seen as the natural leaders of the communities/countries and any women who are in leadership positions are seen only to be promoting women's issues, they are not seen as leaders of the whole community."

Keep up to date with all our activities, including our delegates at World Council, on the Platform 51 Facebook page.

Girls in care are easy prey for unscrupulous men

Girls who are looked after in care are incredibly vulnerable. The facts are bleak:

• 60% of girls in care have contemplated suicide; 40% made at least one attempt
• Girls in care are twice as likely to be cautioned or convicted as other girls
• 25% of all girls leaving care are pregnant or already mothers

With no family network to support them and with cripplingly low-self-esteem, they are easy prey for unscrupulous men. The majority of girls in care have suffered violence or abuse; they think it's normal and they deserve it.

Doncaster is a city blighted by very high levels of children in care: 72 children in 1,000 compared to the national average of 54/ 1,000. Our Powerpuff project for girls in care in Doncaster urgently needs your support. Our Local Authority funding has been cut and we need to raise £60,000 to run this life-changing project. The girls in Doncaster badly need our help, support and protection right now. Please help us today. For some girls, the Powerpuff project was the closest they ever had to a real, caring family.

Read more about how you donation can help. Can you become a Platform 51 Friend and sponsor a girl?  

Your generosity will changes lives right now. Take it from Emily*, aged 13:

"I went into care when I was 4. My mum was a prostitute. I can remember men coming to the house. I had not met any of my family since I left and I felt sad and upset about it. I am really glad I went to the Powerpuff Girls project because I always have someone to talk to. Now I am going to try harder at everything. I love going to Platform 51 we do loads of great stuff. Once we went to London ... and it was the best day of my life."

Please give as much as you can.

*Not her real name.

First woman to oversee a UK wide referendum in the UK

Platform 51's woman of the week is Jenny Watson. Jenny is the first woman chair of the Electoral Commission and the first woman to oversee a UK wide referendum in the UK. 

Today, voters across the UK will be choosing whether to change the voting system that governs UK wide General Elections.  This is the first UK wide referendum since 1975.  The Electoral Commission will so be overseeing the governance of elections for the Wales Assembly Government, the Scottish Parliament and the local elections that are taking place in some parts of England today.

Jenny has been chair of the Electoral Commission since 2008.  Before that she was chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission (now part of the Equality and Human Rights Commission).  In this role she lead important campaigns for equal pay between women and men, for better protection for pregnant women at work and for improved rights for parents and carers.

Platform 51 believes that there needs to be far more women in high profile positions in public life as they are important role models for girls and women. Jenny is a woman in a high profile position but she is also campaigning for women's equality and therefore a worthy winner of woman of the week.  We wish Jenny good luck in her role as returning officer in today's referendum.

You can find out more about Jenny on the Electoral Commission website.

Young and old meet and mix

Power of Youth, a young people's group at Platform 51 Cardiff , invited and old people's group, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, to a coffee and games afternoon. The two groups enjoyed cakes served by the young people and games of cards, chess, draughts and bingo. Councillor Ali from the Grange Town area  popped in to lose a game of cards to one of the Power of Youth members. Also attending were people from the local community, older neighbours and relatives of  the young people. The atmosphere of the day was fanastic and enjoyable.

Mrs Morgan said: "The young people were delightful, thank you for an enjoyable afternoon."

Sophie, aged 16, a, young carer, said: "I think the day went very well because we got involved and made new friends."

The group will keep in touch with all who attended and work with them in the future.

Women's history and girls' aspirations

Kealy Hastick, 21, comes to Platform 51's women's centre in West London.

She says: "That first day I came to Platform 51 changed everything. I thought I'm going to grab every single chance I can get. Without Platform 51 I would just be lost; I wouldn't know anything, it would be so different."

Kealy has been thinking about women's history and asks:

Is it any wonder girls don't aspire to more?

"This year, on 8 March, is the one hundredth anniversary of International Women's Day. I only found out that this day even existed last year, thanks to Platform 51, a charity whose women's centre I go to. Not once during my five years at an all-girls secondary school was there any mention of it. How are girls meant to celebrate and learn from the achievements of other women if they don't know about them?

"Last month, I attended the pre-launch of Women's History Month at the House of Commons. I had no idea that it existed either until, once again, Platform 51 told me. I never learnt about women's history in school. Some men might ask: 'what about a men's history month'? But just think about the focus of school history lessons or programmes on TV and it's easy to see they have HIStory all year round. It's like Black History Month; when I was back in school, some students asked: 'what about a white history month', I would answer: 'The other eleven months of the year seem to cover it quite well!'

"At the pre-launch event I gave a speech in which I explained how difficult it was for women to find female role models. My peers at Platform 51 and I only came up with three that were in the public eye: Oprah, Beyonce and Kelly Holmes. We admire these women because they are successful, determined, hard workers and they had a dream and made it happen, despite the criticism they have faced. But we were shocked that we couldn't think of any more. The others we thought of were either family or people we've worked with. So why was it so hard for us to think of female role models? Is it because there simply aren't any? I just don't believe that. So why aren't we being told? Why are the women that truly deserve to be well-known for their achievements overshadowed by the puppets of pop and the harlots of Hollywood?

"All the many fascinating speakers at the event - poets, authors, activists - were united in understanding that women's history is crucial for girls, so that when they look around for women to look up there is someone other than Katie Price and Cheryl Cole. No offence, ladies, but I don't want my daughter thinking that being beautiful and skinny like them is the best she can aspire to be in life.

"Throughout the month of March, Women's History Month, my peers and I at Platform 51 will celebrate the great women of the past as well as the many unsung women of the present: women who are not just famous for their dress, looks and figure; but real women who have made a difference - those we can genuinely look up to.

"And that's why women's history is essential."

Check out the Women's History Month newsletter.

In celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of International Women's Day, Google is helping to promote Platform 51's mission to support girls and women as they take control of their lives. Google's International Women's Day website offers the opportunity to link directly to Platform 51. Visit www.google.com/events/iwd2011 to find out more. To make a donation directly visit www.platform51.org/supportus

International Women's Day is next Tuesday 8 March.

Thanks to the generosity of the The Co-operative Foundation, we are working with young people in six areas of Cardiff to challenge negative perceptions about young people.

A group of young people from Ely, Cardiff, who are keen skaters, formed a Truth Team, to tackle the negative perceptions of young people in their community. Over the past six weeks the Truth Team has been working with Platform 51 and the local community to organise a skating event in their local leisure centre, to highlight the skills involved in skating and BMX biking. The Truth Team held its event during half term week, to reach as many people in the community as possible, but to also hold an event that young people are interested in.

On the day, bad weather threatened the event, but the manager of the leisure centre kindly agreed to host the event inside the main sports hall. Local councillors and community groups were invited to come along to take part and get to know the young people from their community. There were competitions and prizes and young people were encouraged to have a go at skating. The event proved to be a great success.

Jade: "I know what I need to do to achieve in life"

Our recent study revealed that 63% of women and girls have been affected by poor mental health such as stress, depression, low self-esteem or suicidal thoughts. So how do we help women feel better about themselves?

In Nottingham, Platform 51 staff are running Aspirations, a programme for 13- and 14-year-old girls who may be struggling at school and at risk of dropping out. They may feel that school is pointless and have lost faith in their abilities and can see no future for themselves.

The three month programme begins with an adventure activity such as abseiling. This helps the girls to build their confidence and trust in each other and means that as the course progresses the girls and more openly and honestly discuss the problems women face today such as assertiveness, relationships, sexual health, vocational aspirations and the media's portrayal of women.

Each subject is picked apart and examined, so they learn to understand how complex and connected each one is and how it affects them. Intervening early like this means the girls have a chance to act on what they've learned, get back on track, work hard at school and aspire to more.

The girls who complete this course end up with an accredited qualification. Tracy Radford, Platform 51 manager in Norttingham, says: "The girls have a much more positive feeling about school and the school sees them in a more positive light."

The girls are inspired by the programme. Jade said: "I know what I need to do to achieve in life." Libby said: "I learnt anybody can go to college."

Mental health campaign and name change launched

On Tuesday 11 January 2011 Platform 51 held its first event. The reception was held in the Houses of Parliament and was attended by Platform 51 staff, Platform 51 service users and approximately 100 guests including MPs. The reception was held to celebrate the name change and the launch of the report: Women like me: supporting wellbeing in girls and women.

Natascha Engel MP introduced the event and Anne Milton MP the Public Health Minister spoke of her support for the report and the work that Platform 51 does for girls and women.

The chief executive of Platform 51 Penny Newman gave an overview of the report. Penny talked about the vast number of women that are affected by mental health problems, and commented on the ripple effect this has on their families and friends.

The true nature of Platform 51's work was clearly demonstrated with moving and thought provoking speeches from two service users. Although a little nervous, Sarah gave an emotional speech about how her mental health problem had forced her to binge drink and self-harm, and how Platform 51 has given her the confidence to believe in herself. Natasha's speech was equally sobering. She described to the audience how bereavement had triggered her poor mental health and how she had been to prison 29 times.

Penny Newman begins as chief executive

The new chief executive of Platform 51 is Penny Newman who starts work at the charity today. 

Until recently Penny was the chief executive officer of the Jamie Oliver Foundation, working to support  vulnerable young people through the restaurant chain Fifteen. Before that she was the chief executive officer of Cafedirect: the UK’s largest 100% Fairtrade hot drinks company. Penny has also worked as a marketing manager for The Body Shop.

Penny was awarded an OBE for her services to ethical business in 2008, is a member of the Advisory Board to the Office of Civil Society, a Social Enterprise Ambassador and a non-executive director of Social Finance Ltd.

YWCA becomes Platform 51

During the 155 years since we were founded, we've had to evolve to reflect changes in society and the needs and expectations of women.This is true not only of the work we do, but also of our name. Our original name no longer stood for who we are or what we do and people often confused us with another charity. So we have changed our operating name from YWCA England & Wales to Platform 51.

Why 'Platform 51'?

Our new name more accurately represents who we are and what we do: 51% of people are female, and girls and women use us as a platform to have their say and as a place from where they can move into the next stage of their lives.

Make no mistake, what remains the same is our passion to help girls and women as they take control of their lives.

Kaylie uses her experiences of being homeless to help others

Kaylie Coombes, 22, who goes to Platform 51 in Tonbridge has used her experiences of being homeless to help other young people in similar situations by joining the National Youth Reference Group. She says: “I talk to local government and housing associations about what could make things better for young people, the way we want our services to be run and that sort of thing. It’s very empowering – life-changing! We don’t ask for drastic changes, just little things that’ll make a big difference. They ask us what we think and I like the fact that they listen. I think they can find out more about what it’s really like by asking us who have been through it.”