Our Ambassadors

I am a passionate advocate for justice, with a background deeply rooted in law and financial crime compliance.

My journey began 15 years ago in criminal law as a trainee solicitor but my desire to proactively disrupt organized crime groups led me to transition into the realm of financial crime and regulatory compliance.

Having seen Maggie's dedication to supporting survivors and shining a light on the darkest corners of abuse, the Foundation's mission resonated with me deeply. Being a survivor myself, watching Maggie's courage in exposing systemic failures and fighting for those who have been silenced, moved me beyond words can explain.

Maggie's relentless pursuit of truth and her passion for making society safer for vulnerable individuals serve as a guiding light for me.

As an Ambassador, I hope to channel my passion for justice and protection of the most vulnerable into supporting survivors and driving positive change.

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 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.

As an Ambassador, I am inspired by the Maggie Oliver Foundation's vital work in  supporting Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. The Foundation's  mission to transform pain into power resonates deeply with me. I am committed to  bringing a trauma informed and compassionate approach in all that I do in life. 

My own lived-experience of Childhood Sexual Abuse and failures in the system  motivated my Master's dissertation research. I created a lived-experience Peer  Mentorship Programme, whereby Survivors support each other in moving forward from  CSAE together. 

I have been employed in the health and social care sector (both community and  residential), and thrived working alongside young adults with learning disabilities at  SCOPE. After moving into the mental health sector, for 4 years supporting people  through mental health crisis at the charity Mind, I made the important decision to pause  my ambition to continue with my career and instead prioritise my health and family life. I  am a mum of a neurodivergent teenager, and to sustain my own wellbeing I keep  moving forward with my passion, now working in the volunteer sector so I can continue  to give others a safe space to talk and feel heard. 

I am passionate about amplifying the voices of Survivors and promoting collective  healing and empowerment, and hope where the justice system has failed that rising  voices can make an impact to create a positive change. 

As a Survivor myself, I know how alone I was on the beginning of my journey, having  faced the adversity of stigma and shame as a Survivor of CSAE and breaking free from  those chains was my pathway to freedom. 

I find comfort in writing poetry and prose. I find courage in authentic connection, to  bring hope that the future may be brighter for others too, because in the moments we  may not feel or believe it, we are able to remember that clouds really do have a silver  lining when we find our own light in the darkness. Sometimes we all need a bit of help to  reclaim our light to shine. 

My own diagnosis of AuDHD in 2021 helped me to understand that my neurodivergent  mind has supported my resilience and strength to transform my own pain into power.  Advocating for myself has at times been difficult and I feel a privilege to have the  opportunity to support others and advocate their journey to transform pain into power.  My motto in life is to treat others how I would like to be treated myself - with kindness. 

As an Ambassador, I aim to support the Foundation's crucial work and help create a  safer, more compassionate world for all.

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.

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.

Hi, my name is Linda . I am a survivor. I heard about the Maggie Oliver foundation and felt I desperately needed to be part of it having been on both sides as a survivor and using talking therapies. I felt I’d learned a lot over the last 20 years when I wanted to help other people just like me I feel very privileged to be part of such a wonderful organisation doing such amazing work x

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.

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 background is quite varied but I have always worked in a caring role since I had my children. I volunteered at a Family Planning Clinic where I supported both staff and clients.

This led me to a career in Nursing, first as an auxiliary and then I went to night school as a mature student and studied for A and O Levels to become a Student Nurse whilst also bringing up my 4 children.

As a Registered Nurse I worked in many different aspects of nursing, as a Community/District Nurse, on Hospital wards, ICU, also as a Staff Nurse on Accident and Emergency.I loved being a Nurse and caring for people was such an honour.

Following retirement from Nursing I completed a Health and Holistics Diploma with counselling skills and stress management included, where I learned massage and reflexology and all kinds of therapies, still looking after the person. Following this I worked at a well woman centre as a counsellor/listener.

In the pandemic I worked for the NHS as a volunteer for ‘Check in and Chat” supporting lonely and isolated people with a phone call and friendly caring voice.

I value people and I believe I am a good listener and supportive and I care very deeply.

My survival journey brought me to The Maggie Oliver Foundation in a way that I believe was “meant to be”...

I have spent most of my life as a survivor and I believe that having support and having a voice in a safe environment is so vital and important ...because unfortunately I did isolate myself from receiving any support and help for far too long.

So a part of healing is finding a safe place to talk, and The Maggie Oliver Foundation realises this is an important aspect for a survivor of abuse and their loved ones. “Turning Pain into Power” is so vital.

I am privileged to be a tiny part of the incredible” Maggie Oliver Foundation” Family, which do such remarkable work by helping to prevent and stop abuse and exploitation.Also by giving dignity and emotional support and thereby empowering people to live fulfilled lives. I am lucky to have a wonderful and supportive family and friends network which is so vital to my life. I love walking my dog and going for a“coffee” and a’“puppuccino”

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’m Rachel, and I’m a podcaster, radio producer and theatre teacher. I went to University quite late (at 26) and loved every minute of it. I graduated during the pandemic with a First Class Hons in Television and Radio production. I’ve now rediscovered my love for writing and making things again, and I’m also lucky enough to combine this with teaching 6-18 year olds at my local theatre. I love working with my friends to direct shows and try to help young people who come to us. I’m a very proud mum to my ten-year-old daughter. She’s my proudest achievement and we love walking, discovering, cooking, chilling and holidaying together. I met Maggie on a podcast recording in 2020 and became involved as I felt so inspired to try and help to support her work and the Foundation.

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.

Hi, my name is Sadie. I am in the final year of my psychology degree at the University of Bolton, and I am currently studying the effectiveness of group therapy for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I am a survivor myself, so I have a keen interest in researching this topic further and I hope to enrol on a masters course later this year!

I have been aware of Maggie since reading her book and I have been a huge admirer of hers ever since learning her story. I was absolutely determined to become a volunteer when I learned of the foundation, and it is a huge honour to help others turn their pain into power like I have been able to.

I am a mum to two amazing children who keep me motivated, and I am enjoying being able to show them that you can overcome difficulties with the correct support, and go on to achieve positive goals in life.

In my spare time I enjoy singing and I perform at local open mic nights and charity events. Music has always been my escapism and I thoroughly enjoy going to gigs and concerts when I am able to!

As a survivor of various forms of abuse, coming from a family environment marked by complex relationships and financial instability. My personal experiences and understanding empower me to effectively support those facing challenges. I am deeply passionate about advocating for others. 

While completing my PHD in cross culture business management, I have worked with a number of organisations such as the NSPCC and Royal British Legion supporting people from various backgrounds. I now feel motivated to do more by applying my skills, experience, and knowledge to better support others. 

I was drawn in particular to The Maggie Oliver Foundation by the immense bravery and self-sacrifice shown by those involved, which inspires hope for survivors. 

As an Ambassador, I want to do all I can to provide a safe space and compassionate listening ear.

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.