Joy Doal – Chief Executive Officer
Joy is responsible for Anawim’s strategy and direction and has oversight of the organisation’s whole service and governance. She works closely with Trustees and Commissioners, as well as networks with both Local and Combined authority, Birmingham City Council, the NHS and all of Anawim’s funders. Joy along with other national organisations such as National Women’s Justice Coalition, Prison Reform Trust and Women in Prison seeks to influence policy-making around the overuse of prison and advocating for community sentences. She works jointly with other women’s centres nationally and regionally regarding best practice and policy.
“Before joining Anawim I had been running a safe house for women fleeing forced marriage. One of my residents had been caught up in prostitution through her partner and was really keen for us to reach out to women working on the streets. After this time I applied for a position at Anawim, the rest is history! My favourite thing about Anawim is seeing growth in the women our lovely workers support. Women holding other women.”
Donna Lewis – Chief Operating Officer
Donna oversees the delivery of new and existing services to ensure they are inclusive, safe, workable and effective. She manages Anawim’s Service Managers, working with them to improve policies and procedures. Her responsibilities also include managing our HR Advisor and Centre Coordinator, as well as the Volunteer and Counselling Manager. In addition, Donna works with the CEO to develop strategic plans for Anawim’s sustainability.
“What attracted me to Anawim was listening to the women tell their stories and how dedicated the staff group were to their roles was infectious. Their passion and commitment were evident. I enjoy being part of an organisation that works with women to make big changes in their lives and hopefully educates society so that things improve in the future.”
Emily Johnson – Trusts and Foundations Manager
Emily is responsible for Anawim’s fundraising through charitable trusts and foundations, including donor engagement, bid writing, managing relationships with funders and ensuring accurate reporting on activities, outcomes and impact. Emily develops new funding opportunities which are in line with our charitable status and strategic objectives whilst working with staff, women and volunteers to bring new ideas to life. In addition, Emily collaborates with the CEO and Head of Development on statutory fundraising and reporting back to Anawim’s board of Trustees.
“As soon as I walked in to Anawim for my interview it felt warm, welcoming and safe. I know that visitors say the same thing when they visit our centre – it’s very unique in that respect. Working for Anawim feels like more than a job; it’s a purpose and a mission. There is still a long way to go in the fight for equal rights and a society that listens to and understand the specific needs of women, but it seems like every day we’re getting just that little bit closer. I’m so proud to be part of Anawim and everything it stands for, and am incredibly excited for our future.”
Hannah Johnson – Volunteering and Counselling Manager
Hannah oversees the Volunteers, our Counselling service and our first Social Enterprise – our pre-loved boutique in Moseley. Overseeing the volunteers includes their recruitment, supervision, retention and placement, ensuring they have a rewarding experience and are fully involved in the organisation. Managing our counselling service included managing the Counselling Coordinator and our team of specialist, volunteer and placement counsellors. Anawim counselling is based in-house so our women are in a familiar environment. We offer specialist counselling for domestic violence and sexual violence, but also have a team of counsellors who can support with a range of needs that our women bring. Hannah also manages our shop manager, and has worked since setting up our initial shop in 2023 to develop it as a business and an income stream, as well as providing valuable work experience for our women.
“Having worked in Birmingham’s charity sector for a number of years, I had often heard many positive things about Anawim. As an organisation we support, empower and believe in the women who access the service and this ethos shows through in the amazing work that we do. Working with the volunteers and counsellors means that I see their enthusiasm and dedication on a daily basis and I am constantly inspired by them, my colleagues, and the women that we support.”
Gina Graham – Head of Service Delivery
Gina is line Manager to our Service Delivery Managers and our Safeguarding and Data Protection Co Ordinator. Gina works closely with our COO to oversee the delivery of new and existing services ensuring they are inclusive, safe and effective. In addition, she oversees the services delivered within Ardenleigh Forensic Hospital, HMP Foston and HMP Drake Hall. Gina serves as a link between our Women and our delivery team, ensuring the women’s needs and expectations are met, and addressing any concerns or issues that may arise. In addition, she develops and executes strategic plans to achieve organisational goals, improving the quality of the services we deliver.
“I have always been interested in the criminal justice system, particularly in relation to the impact and distress women suffer when they receive a custodial sentence. I was aware of the support Anawim offered to women in prison, I believed in their approach to enable change and really wanted to be part of such an inspiring organisation. What I love about Anawim is its ability to adapt and change, as well as the diversity and inclusion of all individuals.”
Miriam Sultana – Mental Health Lead
Our mental health lead is a trained specialist who provides a tailored and person-cantered intervention to women who are experiencing poor mental health, often due to trauma (historic or current). She is also our CSA (Child Sexual Abuse) programme lead within the organisation and delivers personal and strength-based interventions with some of our most vulnerable women, targeting anxiety, depression, behaviour change. This is in addition to more challenging/severe mental health troubles, including suicidal ideation, immediate crisis intervention, and active self-harm.
Iona Clayton – HR Advisor and Centre Manager
Iona is responsible for managing the HR function for the organisation and supports the COO with delivering on Anawim’s workforce strategy. She also oversees Anawim’s Centre and Women’s Participation Coordinator who manages the day-to-day running of the centre, ensuring it is a safe and welcoming space for all our staff, women and visitors.
“Anawim’s unique approach to providing women’s services where the women we support are at the heart of everything we do is one of the main reasons why I love working here. There is never a dull moment, I enjoy the variety that each day brings and working alongside such strong women who genuinely care for the work they do. Being part of an organisation that does so much amazing work makes me very proud and it’s a pleasure to come to work every day.”
Natasha Lock – Enhancement Worker Ardenleigh
“I’m here to build relationships with the women and offer sessions to engage and distract them whilst also, hopefully, building their self-confidence and joy! I believe in being led by the women’s wants and needs and will happily give anything a go. I strongly believe it’s the act of creating, not the final result that really matters and encourage the women to just have a go! We’ve enjoyed Macramé, diamond art, Decoupage, room sprays, Quilling, crosswords & word searches, tie dye, painting, bingo and movie nights. I love working here 😊”
Charlotte Taylor – Secure Services Manager
Charlotte Taylor is the Secure Services Manager, and leads projects that support women in forensic psychiatric settings and prison who are experiencing mental health challenges. With a deep commitment to trauma-informed care and rehabilitation, Charlotte plays a vital role in helping women rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“I’m passionate about the work we do because I truly believe that with the right support and someone in their corner – women can achieve incredible things. At Anawim, I see every day how powerful it is when women are empowered and supported, especially when we work together.”