A DOMESTIC abuse charity has announced its new chief executive.
Kate Wright, who chaired the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce, said it was a “real honour” to be joining Freeda – formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge.
Freeda is Jersey’s only independent service exclusively for women and their children fleeing from domestic abuse and violence.
The charity announced in May this year that Lisa Leventhal would be stepping down having “paved the way for a strong future”. Ms Leventhal is rejoining the Freeda Committee, which oversees the work of the charity.
Alongside her work with the VAWG Taskforce, Mrs Wright co-founded the Diversity Network, chairs the Jersey Community Relations Trust and has volunteered as member of the Adult Advisory Panel which supports the Children’s Commissioner.
The VAWG Taskforce’s recommendations to prevent violence against women and girls have been accepted by organisations including the government and the States police.
A spokesperson for Freeda said Mrs Wright’s “outstanding leadership” would benefit the charity’s services to support women in Jersey and combat domestic abuse.
“At Freeda, we feel privileged that Kate has accepted our part-time chief executive role. Kate’s understanding of and passionate commitment to our cause are crucial to ensuring Freeda’s success in delivering our services to women in need.”
The appointment comes as Jersey’s third sector struggles with a funding crisis. Mental-health charity Jersey Recovery College announced it would be closing last month with the loss of ten jobs.
Freeda said: “As highlighted recently by the charity commissioner and the Association of Jersey Charities, charities are facing increasing financial challenges. We feel very fortunate to be able to count on someone of Kate’s calibre to lead Freeda at this difficult time, and to build on the great progress achieved by our former chief executive, Lisa Leventhal, and our dedicated team of professionals. We are confident that with Kate in the driving seat, we will be able to ensure a dynamic and sustainable future for Freeda.”
Commenting following her appointment, Mrs Wright said: “It is a real honour to be joining the team at Freeda, a team whose vital work supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse and violence I came to respect and admire hugely through my work with the VAWG Taskforce.
“The taskforce has changed my life and informed my perspective, igniting a passion in me to work with other key partners to change the landscape for victim-survivors of VAWG in Jersey. To be working with the passionate, brilliant professionals and volunteers at Freeda in this aim is an opportunity I am very excited to be taking up.”
Support
Freeda offers listening, assistance and advisory support services at its residential safehouse and in the community. Help is available 24/7 through the helpline 0800 7356836, or via email: hello@freeda.org.je.
