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S.H.E. UK Celebrates Jess Gill’s Success at Ms Voluptuous International

We are delighted to share an inspiring update about Jess Gill, who recently represented the UK in the Ms Voluptuous International pageant while fundraising for S.H.E. UK during the Big Give campaign.

Jess raised an incredible £500, which was doubled through the Big Give match-fund, making a meaningful contribution to our work supporting survivors of childhood abuse and trauma.

At the pageant, Jess received several prestigious awards, including the title of “Women of the World’s Ambassador” for raising the highest amount for charity across all contestants. This award came with a crown and sash recognising her outstanding commitment to making a positive difference.

Jess also received the “Advocacy Award” for her powerful speech about her journey through trauma and the values she now champions. She went on to place as “second runner-up overall”, among her other honours.

We are incredibly proud of Jess, not only for her achievements on the pageant stage, but for the compassion, courage, and dedication she continues to show. Her commitment to empowerment, healing, and body positivity reflects the heart of what we stand for at S.H.E. UK.

Jess shared with us:

“Thank you for working with me. The pageant was incredible… I won ‘Women of the World’s Ambassador’ for the most money raised for charity, and the ‘Advocacy Award’ for my speech. Thank you again — I’m so grateful.”

We are deeply thankful for Jess’s support and for everyone who donated during the Big Give campaign. Together, your contributions are helping us continue our vital work.

Please Support Us

💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

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Shop with Heart: How Your Black Friday Bargains Can Support Survivors

Black Friday is just around the corner, and it’s a time when many of us hunt for the best deals of the year. But what if your shopping could do something even more meaningful?

This year, your bargains can help fund healing, hope, and support for survivors of sexual abuse.

By using Easyfundraising or Give as You Live, you can turn every purchase into a small act of compassion - at no extra cost to you.

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How to Support S.H.E. UK While You Shop

You can raise free donations for S.H.E. UK through:

Both work in a similar way: retailers pay a percentage of your purchase back to us as a donation, and it doesn’t cost you a penny.

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Step-by-Step: How to Use Easyfundraising

  1. Visit the Easyfundraising website.
  2. Create an account — it’s quick, free, and takes less than two minutes.
  3. Search for “S.H.E. UK” and choose us as your cause.
  4. Browse your favourite retailers through the Easyfundraising site or app.
  5. Shop as normal.
  6. The retailer sends a free donation to S.H.E. UK when you complete your purchase.

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Step-by-Step: How to Use Give as You Live

  1. Go to the Give as You Live website.
  2. Sign up for an account at no cost.
  3. Select S.H.E. UK as the charity you want to support.
  4. Install the optional donation reminder — it helps you never miss a chance to give.
  5. Choose a retailer and start shopping.
  6. A percentage of what you spend is donated automatically.

Every time you shop through these platforms, you help us continue providing vital emotional support services to survivors. Your Black Friday deals could fund the kind of support that stays with someone long after the sales have ended.

When you shop through Easyfundraising or Give as You Live, you’re not just saving money — you’re helping someone rebuild their life with strength and dignity.

Because at the end of the day, the best deals are the ones that help someone heal.

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Please Support Us

💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

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Celebrating Our Board of Trustees This Trustees’ Week 2025

3–7 November 2025 marks Trustees’ Week, which is a time to recognise the incredible contribution that trustees make to charities across the UK.

At S.H.E. UK, we’re proud to have a dedicated and diverse Board of Trustees who volunteer their time, expertise, and passion to guide our charity’s mission: empowering survivors of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation through long-term, person-centred support.

This week, we want to shine a light on the amazing people behind the governance and leadership of S.H.E. UK. These are the individuals who bring experience, empathy, and purpose to everything we do.

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💜 Jacqui Lewis – Founder Member

Jacqui is the heart of S.H.E. UK. She is the visionary who founded the charity and turned compassion into action. As a connector and catalyst for change, Jacqui brought people together to create a safe, understanding, and empowering space for survivors.

Though the organisation has grown, she continues to play an active role on the Board, offering guidance, support, and her deep understanding of the charity’s roots. In her spare time, Jacqui loves reading, writing, arts and crafts, and spending time with her grandchildren.

“I’ll always be the Founder, and I’ll always be here to help in whatever way I can.”

Jacqui Lewis, Founder of the charity SHE UK, based in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire

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💜 Reena Pastakia – Chair of the Board

Reena Pastakia, Chair of the charity SHE UK, based in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire

Reena is a strategic change consultant with over 20 years’ experience implementing transformation programmes across major financial institutions including Barclays Wealth, RBS and Deutsche Bank. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with PwC, Reena channelled her corporate expertise into the charity sector, supporting small charities through Pilotlight, including working with S.H.E. UK.

Inspired by our mission, she joined as Chair in 2024. Reena brings her skills in project management, strategic change, and governance to help guide S.H.E. UK’s future direction. Outside of her trustee role, she enjoys ballroom dancing, cooking, and playing tennis.

“I was so impressed by S.H.E. UK’s work and the strength of the women it supports — I knew I wanted to be part of its journey.”

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💜 Jenny Lewis – Trustee

Jenny joined the Board to support S.H.E. UK’s growth and development, driven by a strong belief in every survivor’s right to heal, flourish, and live the life they deserve. She plays a key role in governance and strategy, ensuring the charity stays aligned with its mission and values.

When she’s not supporting S.H.E. UK, Jenny enjoys singing, writing short stories, yoga, watching films ...and indulging in a little chocolate testing!

“It’s so important to give survivors the time and space to heal. I want to do all I can to help make that possible.”

Jenny Lewis, Trustee of the charity SHE UK, based in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire

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💜 Debbie Porter – Trustee

Debbie Porter, Trustee of the charity SHE UK, based in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire

Debbie joined the Board in 2023, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the internet industry to help strengthen S.H.E. UK’s marketing and communications. Having worked both in the corporate world and as a small business owner, she helps ensure our message reaches those who need it most.

In her free time, Debbie enjoys tending to her large allotment, cooking with home-grown produce, reading, watching films, and spending time travelling with her family and friends.

“I wanted to use my communications experience to help S.H.E. UK share its message of hope and support more widely.”

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💜 Corinna Del Debbio – Trustee

Corinna first connected with S.H.E. UK through Pilotlight and was immediately drawn to our mission. As a Corporate Partnerships Manager in the charity sector, she brings valuable fundraising knowledge and DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) expertise to the Board.

Corinna joined as a trustee in January 2025 and is passionate about helping S.H.E. UK build sustainable partnerships and ensure inclusivity across all areas of our work. Outside of work, she loves running, hiking, and cooking good food at home.

“S.H.E. UK’s mission really resonated with me — I’m proud to play a part in its continued impact.”

Corinna Del Debbio, Trustee of the charity SHE UK, based in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire

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💜 Mila Evanics – Trustee

Mila Evanics, Trustee of the charity SHE UK, based in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire

Mila is a strategy, analysis and impact expert who helps charities make insights-driven decisions to maximise their effectiveness. She was drawn to S.H.E. UK’s focus on long-term, therapeutic support for survivors and is passionate about the transformative role that therapy plays in recovery.

Since 2022, Mila has been studying counselling and psychotherapy, combining her analytical skills with her understanding of therapeutic practice to strengthen S.H.E. UK’s approach.

“It’s the combination of data, strategy, and compassion that makes real change possible — and S.H.E. UK embodies that.”

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💜 Anna Farrell – Treasurer

Anna brings extensive experience in financial management, risk oversight and governance from her career in the insurance sector, where she works as a Transformation Analyst. With a background in psychology and a deep interest in mental health, Anna combines analytical rigour with compassion and purpose.

She was drawn to S.H.E. UK for its commitment to long-term, person-centred support for survivors and is passionate about contributing her skills to strengthen the charity’s impact.

Outside of work, she trains for triathlons, which is her favourite way to unwind and stay active!

“With a background in psychology and financial governance, I’m excited to support such vital and impactful work.”

Anna Farrell Treasurer of SHE UK

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💜 Thank You To Our Trustees

Our trustees are volunteers who give their time, insight, and leadership to ensure S.H.E. UK continues to grow sustainably and stay true to its mission. Their expertise helps us to plan strategically, operate safely, and provide the very best long-term support for survivors.

As we celebrate Trustees’ Week 2025, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to Reena, Jacqui, Jenny, Debbie, Corinna, Mila, and Anna. Each Trustee on the Board plays a part in helping S.H.E. UK create lasting, life-changing impact.

Together, you guide us, challenge us, and help us shine. 💙

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Please Support Us

 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://www.she-uk.org.uk/support-us/

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