New CEO for domestic abuse charity

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Charity appoints new CEO

A WIMBORNE man has been appointed CEO of a Christian charity that supports victims of domestic abuse back to independent living.

Andy Gilbert brings a raft of experience from his church charities and business background to the role with the Christchurch-based Water Lily Project.

He was instrumental in running a nationwide charity initiative to help churches become more dementia friendly, including working with Lambeth Palace, London home and centre of ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

He was also managing director of a corporate teambuilding company and before that worked with Barclays Bank, Poole, managing strategic development and UK-wide programmes.

Andy said: “Water Lily Project supports women in their greatest times of need yet receives no government funding and relies solely on grants, awards, and fundraising.

“As the country enters an economic crisis, I know things are going to get even harder for the women we support and charities like Water Lily.

“We have a waiting list of women in crisis as cases of domestic abuse continue to rise. We’re also seeing more cases of women with mental health issues.”

Water Lily Project trustee Sue Daly said: “Andy brings a huge amount of business acumen to the charity.

“We’re over ten years old and have grown considerably. His skills will prove vital in helping us restructure and look forward to the next ten years and how we can continue to help more women back to

Andy Gilbert

independent living.”

To get involved in supporting Water Lily Project, contact Andy by email to ceo@ waterlilyproject.org.uk.

Talk tackles Jurassic Coast eco issues

AN ENVIRONMENTAL talk is to take place at Corfe Castle on the subject of climate change and its impact on the Jurassic Coast.

The talk is titled ‘What’s the local response to the climate emergency and other local environmental issues?’, and takes place at Corfe Castle Community Library from 2pm on Friday, November 11.

A spokesperson said: “Purbeck is part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage site.

“So it’s nationally and internationally important.”

“However, it faces environmental issues at local, national and international levels.”

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