Our Ambassadors

Hi, I’m Alyia.

I am a proud mother to two wonderful daughters whom I homeschool, and I love spending quality time with them, my supportive husband and lovely family. Family has always been at the heart of everything I do and has shaped the values of compassion, understanding, and resilience that I bring to my personal life and work.

My professional background has always been in sales and marketing. While I enjoyed helping people and working in those roles, I always felt I had more to give. I knew I wanted to use my ability to listen, understand, support, and guide others, but I had not yet found the right place to put those qualities into practice—until now.

My biggest inspiration to join The Maggie Oliver Foundation is Maggie herself and the changes she and the team have made so far. After watching Three Girls, I knew I had to do something to help create change and support those who have experienced unimaginable challenges. Being from the community who were many guilty of committing these horrendous crimes I was absolutely appalled and angry. That moment reinforced my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

As someone from a multicultural background myself, I believe I can offer valuable understanding and empathy to survivors from diverse communities. I am passionate about helping people on their healing journey, providing support, guidance, and a safe space where they feel heard and understood.

I am absolutely honoured to have been given the opportunity to work alongside such wonderful people who are already doing an incredible job. I am equally honoured to be trusted by vulnerable individuals and victims who simply need someone to listen, believe in them, and support them as they move forward.

Being part of that journey is a privilege that I could never take for granted!

I have been in nursing for over 20 years. Predominantly in palliative care, although at  times, in nursing education as well. 

I have two cats and a rottweiler, who are my whole world. I love my friends dearly.  My hobbies include music, kickboxing and painting / drawing. 

I was unable to have children, but the void leaves me with an enormous capacity to  love and nurture. I have a deep compassion for and empathy with children. 

I am a survivor of abuse. I know what it is to experience cruelty, predatory behaviour  and manipulation. I understand pain. I have also felt the devastation of being  betrayed by the people who should have been protectors and defenders. 

I have always had a strong sense of justice and conviction. I firmly believe that if you  are sitting there thinking “somebody should do something about this”, that somebody  is you. I believe the only thing evil needs to prevail is for good people to do nothing. 

To me, there is nothing more important than supporting people who have  experienced the most horrific torment and injustice. I feel honoured and truly  privileged to be able to do so.

My career has been all about project and programme management, recently as a consultant and across both public & private sector. I have worked with a lot of organisations and can honestly that say none has impressed me as much as The Maggie Oliver Foundation.

Integrity and action, through and through, completely aligned to how I like to work. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to contribute in small ways to this life-changing powerhouse.

My name is Beverley. I have spent nearly all of my working life in the health and social care sector working with and supporting people. I ran my own business for 28 years.

As a mum to 2 grown up daughters and a very proud Grandma to 2 little grandsons, family is very important to me and at the heart of everything I do and I feel very privileged to be able to play such an active role in their lives.

I have always believed that as a society, it is vital that we look after one another with respect and kindness. Alongside this, I hold a deep belief that justice in all aspects of life is a basic human right. I feel passionately that we should never ignore when things are wrong simply because it is the easier option - each of us has a personal responsibility to speak up and care.

After selling my business, I knew I still had more to give and wanted to continue to try and make a difference in peoples lives. By chance, I heard about TMOF while out walking my dog and, after looking in to the charity, I knew it was something that I wanted to be part of. I feel truly honoured to contribute to such an incredible support network, walking alongside people on their survivors pathway.

My name is Catherine and I am a Deputy Headteacher in a Special School. I am a musician and I love keeping fit and active as much as I possibly can. As an ambassador, my priority is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for survivors to share their stories, speak their truth, and to gain the support networks required.

My commitment to women's justice, my strong desire for change, and my dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals led me to this foundation. Maggie's inspirational bravery, determination, and commitment to making a difference truly resonate with me. I have witnessed the devastating impact of being silenced, isolated, and have seen what being let down by the justice system can do to a human being. I fully understand the profound need for change.

However, I am a firm believer in the power of support to navigate pain. Survivors must know that their past does not define their future and that a life filled with hope and safety is within reach. The journey will undoubtedly have its challenges, but the Foundation will be on hand to offer help and support along the way.

I bring over 25 years of volunteer experience supporting homeless individuals, which has provided me with profound insight into the experiences of marginalised communities whose voices often go unheard. At my local homeless centre, I not only support guests directly but also manage a team of volunteers, ensuring each person who walks through our doors receives compassionate, dignified care. Throughout my professional career, I have built and led numerous teams, driven by my passion for empowering others to reach their full potential.

I discovered The Maggie Oliver Foundation (TMOF) by chance, though I had long admired Maggie’s work. I am impressed by the Foundation’s impact and its meaningful reach across communities and media platforms. As an ambassador, I am committed to amplifying survivors’ voices, ensuring they are not only heard but truly listened to. I believe in the power of turning pain into power and am dedicated to walking alongside survivors throughout their journey toward healing.

As a survivor myself who has reclaimed my own story, I bring both personal understanding and professional expertise to my role. I am passionate about supporting others on their path to recovery, offering empathy, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to those seeking to rebuild their lives.

I chose to become an Ambassador with The Maggie Oliver Foundation not only because of the inspiration that Maggie herself represents, but because survivors deserve calm, consistent support that turns pain into power. Silence protects perpetrators, never victims. For me, being an Ambassador means showing up with compassion, curiosity, and no judgement - listening first, believing, and then helping survivors find safe next steps through the Pain into Power phoneline and beyond.

I bring years of hands-on experience supporting looked-after children who are survivors of child sexual exploitation. My background in trauma-informed residential care, safeguarding practice, and multi-agency work with police, social care, health, and education has prepared me to handle disclosures, assess risk, plan for safety, and escalate concerns appropriately. Most importantly, it’s taught me how to hold safe spaces built on trust, boundaries, and dignity.

In practice, my role as an Ambassador is about being steady and survivor-focused: offering emotional support, keeping accurate records, guiding people to specialist services, and advocating for better outcomes when systems fall short.

Above all, I stand alongside survivors for as long as it takes - drawing on both my professional and lived experience - so that they feel heard, regain control, and move forward on their terms. The Ambassador programme works because it’s powered by volunteers who freely give their time and commitment. I’m proud to be one of them.

Hi, I’m Farrah. I work as a teaching assistant in schools and am currently training as a student counsellor. I have a background in Psychology and Education, and I enjoy supporting children and young people with their learning and wellbeing.

Outside of work and study, I enjoy walking and spending time outdoors. As a mum of four, much of my free time is spent in my unofficial role as an unpaid chef and general organiser! I’m looking forward to being part of this journey and learning alongside others on the programme.

Thirty years ago I became a befriender at my local Hospice and I had my first introductory training in ‘listening’ skills. After a career in the voluntary and public sectors and many training courses later. I have concluded that taking time to listen to an individual tell their story in a safe and respectful setting, can create the head room people need to think clearly.

Possibly for the first time in a person’s life, they really sense they are being heard and acknowledged. And options for resolution, restitution and perhaps adopting a different outlook on day to day life can fill the space that was once filled with anger and angst. The Maggie Oliver Foundation is a safe place for people to turn to knowing they will be listened to, heard and believed. The Foundation’s culture is not based on fine worded mission statements or lists of values that evaporate when put to the test by its Support Workers and Ambassadors. It is a network of people who know what is the morally right way or wrong way to treat another human being. The Foundation’s people understand the consequences that ensue when individuals are not given the proper attention they need when they need it.

For me it is about working for an organisation that is led by someone who understands common human decency. The Foundation has humanity running through its operational systems and processes, like ‘Blackpool’ runs through a stick of rock.

That is why I am happy to give my time to the Foundation to support its work.

My name is Helen. I’m married to Dave and we live in West Yorkshire with our two West Highland  Terriers. Having recently retired, I’m discovering all sorts of hobbies. I love music (I play the piano &  clarinet and sing in a choir), keeping fit, walking my two crazy Westies and crafting (although I’m not  much good at this yet!) 

In 1990, I started a career in teaching; a job that I absolutely loved and consequently devoted my  working life to. My motivator as a teacher was having the opportunity to make a difference to little  lives. In 2004, I became a Headteacher; a role with a wide range of responsibilities including the  privilege of working closely with some amazing children, their families and staff. Working in a primary  school, I was able to create a safe place for our children; a place where they could be themselves, take  risks with learning and reach their full potential. Teaching is so much more than an academic  curriculum and test results. For me, it was all about relationships. This was my school family and I had  a duty to care, listen, safeguard and protect every single member of this special family; children and  adults alike. 

In August 2023, and after 33 years working full time in teaching, I took early retirement and, it was at  this point in my life that I needed to decide how to best use my new found time. I was very choosy as  I wanted to volunteer for a role that I felt passionate about, so when I came across ‘The Maggie Oliver  Foundation’, I knew that this was exactly what I had been looking for. I’m so proud to be an ambassador  for this amazing organisation where I am able to use the professional skills that mattered most to me;  listening, showing empathy & compassion and ultimately, making a difference to others.

My name is Jade, and I am a proud mum of three amazing children who keep my life beautifully busy. They are my world and my reason to keep moving forward every single day.

I am a survivor of child sexual exploitation. I know what it feels like to be let down by the very systems that are meant to protect you. Surviving those experiences forced me to find strength within myself during some of the darkest times of my life.

Finding the Maggie Oliver Foundation was a turning point in my healing journey. The support. Understanding, and safe space they provided helped me rebuild mu confidence, rediscover my voice, and begin to truly heal. For the first time, I felt heard, believed, and supported.

Now, as an ambassador for the Maggie Oliver Foundation, it is my time to give back. I am passionate about raising awareness of this horrific crime, standing up for those who feel unheard, and supporting other survivors in their healing journeys. I want every victim to know that healing is possible, that you are stronger than you realise, and hat your voice matters.

If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then it is worth it.

Hello my name is Jane and during the day I work as a mental health support worker. I volunteer for Samaritans and I am almost at the end of studying a level 3 course in Counselling Skills at my local college.

I have a real passion for understanding the human condition better and for increasing my listening skills to improve my practice in work and as a Samaritan. I know how invaluable it can be for us all to be able to be honest and authentic with our feelings and experiences with another person who doesn't judge or advise. They just listen.

If you haven't experienced that feeling of been genuinely heard before, it can be quite magical as the listener listens for empathic understanding and only wants to see things from your point of view.

Maybe for the first time you feel someone "gets you". Wherever you are on your journey I look forward to meeting you and working together for a more peaceful future.

Kelly is a survivor who wanted to give something back to the team of people who supported her when she needed help and guidance. She is a keen fundraiser and has participated in several events helping to raise money for various charities. Kelly-Ann has a passion to help survivors stop living in fear of their lives and to play a part in helping them live a normal life again. In her spare time, Kelly Ann enjoys walking, cycling and helping others. She is also the proud mum of her beautiful daughters. Kelly-Ann is proud of how far she has come so far and is eager to support those who need a helping, friendly hand.

My name is Lisa and I am an Academic Development Manager in the higher education  sector where I design and deliver professional development in learning and teaching  skills. 

I have worked in the education sector for 29 years. I began as a secondary school teacher, moved into further education and then into higher education. 

I have always passionately believed in the power of education to change people’s lives  and in the power of knowledge and understanding to create wider societal change.  

Since watching the drama, Three Girls, and subsequently learning how widespread the  abuse and cover-up was, I have followed the unfolding of the enormity of this scandal  and Maggie’s determination to hold a spotlight onto it.  

I decided to become an ambassador for the Foundation as I believe in its central  mission of turning pain into power and I wanted to be a part of an organisation that  supports survivors of abuse who have not had their voices heard.

My name is Liz, and I'm absolutely honoured to be working with the Maggie Oliver Foundation, and in a capacity to support survivors of abuse.

I have been determined for a number of years to give something back to the foundation after "Three Girls" made me recognise behaviours used by my own abuser.

As a survivor myself, I have always turned my own pain into power and have strived to ensure I am not defined by what happened to me - but how I have made an impact on other people's lives.

I have been in the position where I turned to the wrong people for support in my time of need - and I'm really passionate about being that right person for anyone reaching out for support. Finally telling someone my secret in 2021 changed my life. I'll be here to listen, no matter what it is you want to talk about - we can chat about rubbish telly or the weather if you want to.

By day, I'm a mum of two young children, a wife to a lovely man, fosterer of kittens for animal rescue charities, fierce crocheter and a HR professional in the corporate world (a big girl job, as it's been labelled!)

Hi, I'm Marie.

I have worked within various social care settings throughout my whole adult life.

Safeguarding is a passion for me and it runs through my veins from the experiences of many vulnerable people that I have supported. I find it essential to not only support people but also to empower them, help people to believe in themselves so much so that the energy they feel will ignite a light in others. Which in turns enables people to be their best selves.

C.S.E is a subject that has gripped me throughout my career, and I feel so privileged to now be a part of this foundation. Over the years finally I can see other professionals' attitudes towards this subject shifting and recognising the enormity of the scale of how CSE impacts not only the victim but their loved ones too.

This traumatic impact does not end when the abuse does so I have always struggled with the attitudes of others in not being proactive when all the signs were there, and then not reacting as quickly as they should in preventing harm.

I have followed and been a huge fan of Maggie for many years and I have nothing but total respect and admiration for the lengths that she has had to go through to not only highlight C.S.E but to support the fight for justice. Which is why when this opportunity came up to actively be a part of this team I knew I wanted to fully commit to this process of turning pain into power, helping raise awareness and actually being able to support by just being a listening ear, being non judgemental and being there for anybody who just needs a chat.

Although personally I have not been a victim of CSE over the years I have worked with countless victims and their families.

I have however lived through traumatic experiences which is why I am so passionate about everything that I do, because I always think what would I need if I was that person and there's also a side of me that feels the need to be the person that I needed during my own battles, nobody should ever live in fear and everybody should have their voice heard.

So with that said, a bit about me personally I absolutely love exercise ! The harder the exercise the more I enjoy it. My favourite hobby is weight lifting. But my absolute day one, full blown love of my life is Music! It's always been an obsession of mine, I cannot go a day without it, its like medicine for the soul!

My life is a testament to resilience and transformation. From surviving violent childhood atmospheres and the silence surrounding suicide, to enduring a marriage that nearly cost my life, I have faced adversity at every stage. My working life brought further challenges – sexual harassment, assault, and the courage to stand as a whistleblower.

Yet my story is not defined by trauma, but by the power of survival and renewal. I know first-hand that it is possible to turn your life around, to reclaim the future you were always meant to have, and to flourish.

Today, alongside my day job, I channel my lived experiences into advocacy empowerment, and hope – standing shoulder to shoulder with the Maggie Oliver foundation in its mission to speak truth to power. My journey embodies the belief that even in the darkest circumstances, strength and purpose can emerge, and that every survivor deserves not just to survive, but to thrive.

Hello, I'm Parveen.

My professional journey has primarily been in the field of corporate recruitment, with the majority of my career spent in London, where I worked for various reputable firms. In 2016, I made the decision to return to Manchester, my hometown.

A pivotal moment in my life occurred after watching the powerful drama "Three Girls." This experience ignited a deeper interest within me to make a positive impact. That very evening, I scoured the internet and submitted an application to join Samaritans. I officially became a member of their Manchester team in 2017, and this choice has profoundly shaped my path. Additionally, I had the privilege of reading Maggie's book, and I greatly admired the incredible work she does. When the opportunity to contribute as a volunteer arose, I eagerly seized it to become a part of this remarkable team.

I firmly believe in the profound significance of listening without judgment, devoid of any intent to influence or harbor bias. This ability is vital.

The training I received from both Samaritans and Maggie's organisation proved invaluable. Not only did it equip me with the skills required for volunteer work, but it has also imparted invaluable life lessons.

Being able to support survivors by providing them with a safe space to share their voices is an incredible honour I hold in high regard. In my personal life, I have recently started assisting my husband in establishing "The PowerMind," a digital program focused on mental health and well-being. It is designed to help individuals in high-pressure job environments.

I am currently studying Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University, where I am developing a deeper understanding of crime, justice, safeguarding, and victim support. I have always wanted to help people and make a positive difference in the lives of others, which is one of the reasons I chose to pursue this field of study.

Although I am not a survivor myself, I have always been aware of the precautions many women and girls take when going out at night. I have also experienced situations where individuals have felt entitled to act in ways that made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe, which has strengthened my awareness of the challenges many people face and the importance of support, advocacy, and safeguarding.

Through my studies, I have become increasingly aware of the failings that can occur within the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving abuse, exploitation, and vulnerable individuals. I am interested in understanding how institutions can better protect victims, respond appropriately to disclosures, and build trust with those seeking help. I believe that listening to survivors and learning from past mistakes is essential to creating meaningful change.

I am passionate about supporting initiatives that empower survivors, raise awareness of exploitation and abuse, and promote improvements within the criminal justice system. The work of the Maggie Oliver Foundation strongly aligns with my interests in advocacy, safeguarding, and ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard, respected, and supported. Through my studies and personal commitment to these issues, I hope to contribute to creating safer communities and helping those affected by abuse and exploitation access the support they deserve.

Hello I'm Ruth, and I am new to the Maggie Oliver Foundation.

With over 25 years of experience working in mental health and various advocacy services, I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals to have their voices heard, ensuring they feel respected, valued, and listened to.

Becoming an ambassador for the Maggie Oliver Foundation and supporting survivors aligns perfectly with my commitment to creating a non-judgmental, compassionate space where every person is seen and heard, and has the opportunity to transform their pain into power!

The courage and resilience of the people we support inspire me daily, and I am humbled to stand alongside them as they navigate their journeys. Equally, I am honored to work with an extraordinary team of colleagues who are the epitome of strength, passion, and dedication. Their unwavering commitment to supporting others shines through in everything they do, not only for those we serve but also for each other. This team is a true inspiration, leading by example, fostering a supportive environment, and demonstrating the power of collective care and compassion.

Together, we strive to make a lasting difference, celebrating the strength of those we serve and supporting them in reclaiming their power and voice. I am privileged to be part of such a remarkable group of people doing truly life-changing work.

I remember hearing of Maggie Oliver whilst listening to the news, I remember thinking – finally someone is standing up for the victims of sexual exploitation through grooming. I remember feeling a lot of respect and admiration for Maggie Oliver.

Through my personal journey of trauma starting in my teenage years, I came to understand the profound importance of compassion, community, and support. This is why I am deeply committed to raising awareness of, and supporting, the extraordinary work of The Maggie Oliver Foundation. The foundation stands as a beacon for survivors, offering practical help, advocacy, and the belief that no one should ever feel alone in their recovery.

As a South Asian, neurodivergent woman I have faced many barriers and challenges that at times felt overwhelming, being judged and isolated by society as a victim of abuse. I am a survivor of trauma; my journey reflects resilience and determination to survive. With the support of The Maggie Oliver Foundation, I gained courage and confidence to thrive, to be the person who I am and not be defined by my trauma. Having transformed my pain into power it allows me a purpose. I am now using my voice to inspire hope and healing in others.

Trauma does not have to define the future of survivors, TMOF allows opportunity for survivors to thrive. With a focus on personal growth, empowerment, and giving back, TMOF continue to share their story to shine a light for others still finding their way. By supporting the Maggie Oliver Foundation, I am proud to be part of a community that is creating a world where every survivor feels heard, supported, and empowered to reclaim their life through compassion and respect.

As a community, the most powerful things we can do is: Raise awareness by talking openly about exploitation and help break down the stigma and silence that ultimately protect the perpetrators. Standing up against victim-blaming and myths about abuse is key to creating a culture of support. Survivors need to be heard, believed, and respected. Survivors are not defined by what happened to them, with compassion and solidarity, communities can help survivors to heal and thrive.

TMOF is that community for me and I am blessed to be an ambassador of such an amazing and beautiful community!

My name is Susan, and I am currently studying in the last year of my Level 4 Counselling course.

I am a family-orientated person, having 7 children, with a history of autism within my family. I have two dogs and a cat, and I am married to a qualified Barrister. I have volunteered previously as a Thai-boxing instructor, teaching children, adults, and even police officers. I have worked for many years in the care industry, undertaking domiciliary work and I currently look after a lady with autism.

I joined The Maggie Oliver Foundation as I am myself a survivor, and I am also the parent of a survivor. Being a survivor means I can understand the issues people may be going through, and I have been undertaking further training with the Foundation.

I cannot wait to start helping others.

My name is Suzanne but everyone calls me Suzi. I was one of the first people to join the foundation way back in the dark days of lockdown. I took a break of a few years as my job was incredibly demanding. When I became an ambassador I was honoured to be able to support several survivors during my time. Joining the Foundation has helped me face a lot of things that happened to me in my past and given me the means to deal with it, I know when I am ready to talk there will be a caring ear available to me. The support the Foundation offers is unique, and everyone is treated with compassion and respect. You will not find a more supportive group of people and they will be by your side thorough thick and thin.

I am married to a wonderful man and have three grown up children that I adore, a granddaughter who is my absolute world and a mad red cockapoo called Alfie! I am originally from Liverpool and get home to see my family at every opportunity. I am a massive Liverpool fan. I am also a Community First Responder.

I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to rejoin this amazing organisation.

I am a married mum of 2 daughters who enjoys spending my spare time with them, and my family and close friends. I enjoy going for walks and keeping physically and mentally fit.

Working in education for nearly 25 years as a teacher, and then as a Deputy Head and Safeguarding Lead for nearly 13 years has meant that the safeguarding of children and adults permeates everything I do. I strongly believe in being the voice of those, often vulnerable children, who can’t always use their own voice; to help protect them from all forms of abuse and provide them with a safe space.

I have long admired Maggie’s work and the fight for justice; shining light on systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children and holding perpetrators account. Having been aware of the Maggie Oliver Foundation for a few years, I was drawn to the values the foundation stands for, which align with my own morals, and the determination to make a real difference in the lives of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. To now be part of this fantastic team and advocate for the foundation and everything it represents is the greatest honor. I stand alongside survivors; providing emotional support against the injustice and abuse they have suffered whilst giving them the time, belief, courage, determination and empowerment to live a brighter future.