Wandsworth Care Alliance

International Women’s Day Spotlight: Nina’s volunteering journey supporting community voices

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How did Nina start volunteering?
Nina started volunteering through a friend who was involved with the work of Healthwatch during the Covid period. Her friend was helping Healthwatch carry out a survey on new mothers and their maternity experiences. Knowing Nina’s background and skill set, her friend felt she would be a great fit to help with the surveys.

Nina is an antenatal teacher with experience running programmes and organising training, and she holds an MA by research.

She began volunteering with Healthwatch on the Enter and View team and has continued to support the team when needed, contributing to various surveys such as the early discharge from hospital survey. Nina has also volunteered with Wandsworth Care Alliance, helping to collect data for the team following a referral from Max at the Healthwatch Wandsworth team.

What motivated Nina to volunteer?
Nina was motivated to volunteer with Healthwatch Wandsworth because she was interested in the topic of parents and maternity experiences, and it connected well with her research background. She explains that a friend recognised that she could contribute and would likely enjoy the work, which encouraged her to get involved.

Although she had not specifically planned to volunteer with Healthwatch Wandsworth, the opportunity came up at the right time and felt like the right thing to get involved with.

What challenges did she notice while volunteering?
Through her volunteering with WCA, Nina recognised the challenge was not speaking with people but rather getting through to them, as many organisations and individuals are busy. She acknowledges that this can be difficult to overcome because people’s availability varies.

How does Nina feel about her impact as a volunteer?
Nina says she feels very pleased when people say she has made an impact. She believes that the work she has contributed has been appreciated by the teams she has supported.

For her, the word “commitment” is important. When she volunteers, she approaches it seriously and with purpose. She explains that she does not volunteer simply to try something out she volunteers because she believes it is the right thing to do.

At the same time, she feels that volunteering is not only about what she gives but also what she gains from the experience. She enjoys taking on tasks, doing them well, and making the most of the opportunity. Nina also emphasises that she genuinely cares about the people she works with.

Has volunteering helped Nina feel closer to the community?
Nina says she has learned a great deal through volunteering with Healthwatch Wandsworth because of the projects she has been involved in.

One of the most recent projects was a mental health project where volunteers visited Hollybourne to carry out interviews. Nina found this particularly challenging. Although she had previously worked with people experiencing post-natal depression, she had not previously had conversations with individuals who had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Despite the difficulty, the experience gave her valuable insight into an area she had not encountered before.

Will Nina continue volunteering?
Nina says she plans to continue volunteering with the Enter and View survey team for the immediate future. She also enjoyed spending two days working in the office, noting that it had been a long time since she had worked in an office environment and that it was nice to experience that again.

If new projects arise, Nina says she would be happy to get involved and contribute again.

To discover volunteering opportunities please visit our volunteer service page here.

International Women’s Day spotlight; Cassandra Centre: supporting young people and women in Wandsworth

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This International Women’s Day, we are spotlighting a woman founded organisation called Cassandra Centre founded by Jennifer McDermott, whose work is rooted in love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her community.

How it started?

The organisation was founded following the tragic loss of her daughter, Cassandra, and the long and painful legal proceedings that followed. Through that devastating experience, she came face to face with the stark reality of how limited and fragmented support can be for young people navigating trauma, instability, and complex life circumstances.

“There were very few identifiable services that young people could turn to,” she reflects. “I saw how many were facing serious challenges without the guidance, safe spaces, or trusted adults they needed.”

Having grown up in Wandsworth and always considered the borough home, she felt a deep responsibility to give something back to the community that shaped her. Determined to turn pain into purpose, she set out to build a service where young people could feel safe, valued, and truly understood.

Her aim was clear: to create early support that prevents crises, strengthens resilience, and gives young people the confidence and tools to make positive choices about their futures. At its heart, the organisation exists to ensure that no young person in Wandsworth feels unseen or unsupported.

Community

Jennifer understands what it means to navigate barriers, juggle multiple responsibilities, and keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain. This lived experience informs how she leads by listening deeply, creating inclusive spaces, and ensuring that everyone feels respected and heard.

Central to her approach is building a sense of sisterhood within the community. She believes in creating spaces where women and girls can uplift one another, share their stories, and feel safe to express themselves. Giving voice to those who often feel voiceless is not an aspiration, it is part of the organisation’s mission. Through this leadership, she not only supports others but empowers them to recognise their own strength and potential.

Building a safe space for the community

Among the impacts she is most proud of is the development of the organisation’s therapeutic support services, which have become a lifeline for many families. Providing a trusted space particularly for women who have experienced long-term trauma has allowed individuals to reconnect with themselves, rediscover their identities, and begin rebuilding hope.

Safeguarding is embedded at the core of the organisation’s work. Young people and families are protected, listened to, and taken seriously. Advocacy plays a crucial role, ensuring concerns are acted upon quickly, compassionately, and professionally. This safeguarding culture has helped families feel safer and more confident when navigating difficult circumstances.

“Seeing people find their voice, rebuild trust, and feel genuinely safe in our care is one of the most meaningful impacts of all,” she shares. “It reminds me every day why this work matters.”

Like many grassroots organisations, the journey has not been without challenges.

Securing a suitable long-term space has been one of the most significant hurdles. A stable and accessible base is vital for building continuity and trust, two foundations that are essential when supporting vulnerable families.

Long-term funding remains another ongoing challenge. Sustainable resources are crucial for retaining skilled staff, planning ahead, and delivering consistent support rather than short-term, stop-start services. Navigating funding cycles can be demanding, particularly when community need is so high.

What keeps her going is purpose. Every young person who grows in confidence and every woman who begins to heal reinforces why the organisation exists. The memory of her daughter, Cassandra, alongside the memory of Sarah Everard and all women and families affected by homicide, continues to guide her work. Their stories strengthen her commitment to creating safer, more supportive spaces within the community.

Support from partners, volunteers, and a strong network of women, a sisterhood provides encouragement even during the most challenging moments.

A message for International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, she is also choosing to shine a light on an issue often left unspoken: peri-menopause.

For many women, this stage of life brings significant physical, emotional, and social changes that are rarely discussed openly. By naming it and encouraging open conversations, she hopes to create understanding, reduce stigma, and ensure that no woman feels isolated or ashamed.

“No woman should feel confused or unsupported about what her body is going through. When we talk openly, we empower one another.”

Through courage, compassion, and community leadership, this founder is creating lasting change in Wandsworth ensuring that young people are protected, seen, safe and that women are supported, and no one feels alone in their journey.

Cassandra Centre has an upcoming event!

They will be joined by Dr Zoe Schaedel, whose expertise will guide you through a comprehensive and insightful discussion on perimenopause.

Join on Thursday 19th March from 1:30pm at Arding and Hobbs SW11 1QN.  

Please book your free place via Eventbrite using the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/casssandra-centres-international-womens-day-at-arding-and-hobbs-tickets-1982352274015?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bridging the Digital Divide: Bilal Meah’s Volunteering Journey with Power2Connect

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Bilal is one of the many registered volunteers on our volunteering Wandsworth platform who used the platform and was able to successfully volunteer. Bilal’s volunteering journey in the borough started when he was registered on the platform in 2023 and has now been volunteering for more than a year in the borough of Wandsworth with Wandsworth based charity Power2Connect.

Bilal a university graduate is currently volunteering whilst looking for paid employment and has had experience with volunteering at Kensington library helping people with gadget and technology enquiries. Bilal decided to volunteer with Power2Connect as he was first referred the opportunity by an NHS social prescriber who found the platform and helped him to apply through on the Volunteering Wandsworth platform. Bilal was encouraged to volunteer as a way of being outside and having an activity to do with his time. Bilal knew he wanted to do something that he felt capable of doing and the Power2Connect volunteering opportunity he felt he could do.

“A lot of the issues people have in this volunteering position are simple things like accessing emails or creating accounts to buy train tickets, there isn’t anything that is too technical it’s more day-to-day things for people who have been effectively left behind digital divide”.

Before volunteering Bilal’s past skills included working in retail, dealing with customers, and knowing how to deal with computers and phones. This has helped contribute to the skills and knowledge that Bilal has which help him today in his current volunteering role. Growing up Bilal was interest in computer repairs and building his own computer and has experience in phone repairs. A lot of people want to do basic things, and they need help in those things, and you don’t need very technical knowledge to do that, it’s more about knowing how to prioritise what the persons needs are doing things step by step, so they understand and having patience for that.

How has volunteering helped you or impacted you?   

Bilal has helped someone create an appointment for a GP for example and has also helped a few people with various other needs in need when they come to the Power2Connect digital sessions and he feels good when is able to help.

“Power2Connect are a helpful and supportive team”.

Bilal would recommend Power2Connect as they are a helpful and supportive team and if you a have a problem there is always someone in the team to speak to. Bilal feels supported as he volunteers with the Power2Connect team and enjoys volunteering with Power2Connect so much that he would be happy to have a job with the Power2Connect team.

Discover volunteering opportunities on our platform here.

Thrive LDN’s Great Mental Health Day 2026

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Thrive LDN is a public mental health partnership dedicated to helping all Londoners live happier, healthier lives by promoting wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health, and connecting communities with support and resources. It brings together a range of partners to coordinate campaigns, training, suicide prevention initiatives, and free wellbeing resources across the capital.

One of Thrive LDN’s initiatives is Great Mental Health Day which is an annual awareness day that aims to get Londoners talking about mental health, celebrate support services available across the city, and challenge the stigma of reaching out for help. This year the day falls on Friday, 30th January, marking the fifth year the event has taken place.

Everyday Spaces

For 2026, Thrive LDN has chosen the theme of everyday spaces, informal, trusted locations where connection and support naturally happen. These could be community kitchens, local craft groups, sports pitches, neighbourhood parks or any welcoming space where people feel they belong. The idea is to highlight that support doesn’t always start in clinical settings; it often begins in the familiar corners of our everyday lives.

Get involved and share

Great Mental Health Day encourages Londoners to take part in events and activities across the city, either by attending local gatherings, hosting inclusive and free events, or using the hashtag #GreatMentalHealth on social media. Thrive LDN provides a supporter’s pack which you can access here. They provide an interactive map of local activities, and free training and webinars to help individuals and organisations get involved and support wellbeing in their communities.

Feedback from previous years highlights how the day has helped people start meaningful conversations, feel supported, and discover local services they hadn’t known about before emphasising the power of connection and shared experience in promoting mental health.

Upcoming wellbeing events

Wandsworth Borough Council has put together a list of Week of Wellbeing events taking place across the borough next week. The programme offers residents opportunities to take part in activities that support mental health, encourage connection, and promote positive wellbeing from workshops and walks to creative and community-based sessions.

Discover the events here.

Where to find support

If you or someone you know might need professional mental health help, there are several accessible services available. It is important to reach out and get help if you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, loneliness or depression. Support is available for whatever you are going through.

This link shares services that are available to residents in Wandsworth: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/your-health/mental-health/mental-health-services-in-wandsworth/

Urgent Support (Not Life-Threatening)

  • NHS 111: Call 111 or use their online service for urgent mental health advice.
  • Shout (Text): Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support anytime.
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7, free) to talk to someone.
  • Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Teams (CRHT): These NHS teams provide urgent care in the community.

Spotlight on Bright Path Unity Village CIC: Empowering Young People and Families in Wandsworth

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Bright Path Unity Village CIC is a new, community-rooted organisation based in Wandsworth, dedicated to empowering young people, young parents and families to build stable, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Bright Path exists to uplift voices that are often unheard and to create safe, inclusive spaces where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Through mentoring, wellbeing support, life skills development and culturally responsive community programmes, the organisation works alongside residents facing barriers related to education, housing, mental health, parenting, employment and navigating local systems.

Their mission

Bright Path Unity Village CIC’s mission is to support young people and young parents in Wandsworth through practical guidance, emotional support and advocacy. Their work is rooted in early intervention, prevention and long-term empowerment helping individuals build confidence, resilience and positive futures.

Their approach blends one-to-one mentoring with creative, youth-led group activities and community-based programmes that promote wellbeing, leadership and connection.

Current projects

Bright Path delivers a range of targeted projects designed to meet the needs of different groups within the community:

  • Empowering young girls – Empowering young women to rise, build confidence and thrive.
  • Next Generation – Supporting young men to challenge harmful stereotypes and develop strength through respect, purpose and accountability.
  • Rebuild – Helping young ex-offenders rebuild confidence, direction and a sense of belonging within the community.
  • Bright guides – A peer mentorship trainee programme that equips young people to lead and support others with compassion and confidence.
  • Bright futures – Supporting young parents to maintain stable family networks and grow in confidence, skills and wellbeing.

Bright Path’s work spans several key areas:

  • Mentoring & Coaching – One-to-one and group mentoring to help young people set goals, navigate challenges and access opportunities.
  • Life skills workshops – Sessions covering financial literacy, employability, digital skills, leadership and personal planning.
  • Wellbeing – Activities such as meditation, journaling, emotional regulation and confidence-building.
  • Young parent support – Peer support groups, parenting workshops, family activities and signposting to services.
  • Advocacy – Accompanying young people to statutory meetings, housing appointments, court hearings and interactions with services.
  • Inclusive practice – Occupational therapy-informed adaptations to ensure activities are accessible for disabled young people and parents.
  • Community events – Youth forums, cultural celebrations and inter-generational activities that strengthen community connections.

What the Community thinks

The impact of Bright Path’s work is reflected in the experiences of those they support:

“Bright Path helped me rebuild my confidence after leaving school. The mentoring sessions showed me I’m capable of more than I thought.” — Young person, 17

“As a young dad, I didn’t know where to start. The parenting group gave me support, practical help and a space where I didn’t feel judged.” — Young parent, 20

“Having someone sit with me in my housing meeting made a huge difference. I finally felt like somebody was on my side.” — Young person, 18

“The workshops helped me manage my anxiety and learn new life skills. I feel more in control of my future now.” — Young woman, 22

Get involved

Bright Path Unity Village CIC relies on community support to keep services accessible and expand their reach. There are many ways residents, professionals and organisations can help:

  • Volunteer as a mentor or peer supporter
  • Deliver skills-based workshops (e.g. CV writing, digital skills, creative arts, wellbeing)
  • Partner with Bright Path on referrals, joint programmes or events
  • Refer young people who may benefit from mentoring, wellbeing support or advocacy
  • Support inclusive practice through SEND or disability expertise
  • Donate or sponsor resources, including space, equipment or materials
  • Attend or support community events

Get in touch with them and learn more!

Bright Path Unity Village CIC
CIC Number: 16739333
Email: brightpath.village@gmail.com
Phone: 07415 958598
Instagram: @Bright_pathcic

Bright Path Unity Village CIC is building a future where young people and families feel supported, heard and empowered, and they’re inviting the Wandsworth community to be part of that journey.

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