Over 150 guests logged on to a St Giles Lunch and Learn event today (Monday 8 March), hosted by St Giles Patron Jenny Agutter OBE, to mark International Women’s Day 2021.

Echoing this year’s International Women’s Day theme of Choosing to Challenge, the line up of speakers at the event highlighted the way in which women who are often seen as marginalised and vulnerable by society often show incredible levels of resilience and strength.

The keynote speaker was Janice Nix, a former St Giles Peer Advisor who is now an award-winning engagement worker with the National Probation Service.  Janice has recently written a book highlighting her journey from the streets, a lengthy prison sentence to her present day now working as a professional helping prevent young women falling into the same world she did.

Other speakers included St Giles Norfolk-based Wonder+ team who support women in vulnerable circumstances to overcome barriers to move their lives forward, Olu Olungeye from the Peer Circles team and Joanne Bakare from the London Custody Suites Project.  All have been extremely busy during the pandemic in ensuring their clients remain safe, supported and able to continue their positive progress in the challenging circumstances.