Charity stalwart nominated for prestigious award

Jeanie Lynch, Women’s Programme Manager at Exeter Charity CoLab, has been named as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Westcountry Women Awards.

Jeanie has been shortlisted in the Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls category, which recognises outstanding contributions to creating a safer and more inclusive society.

This recognition is a testament to her innovative and dedicated work in the South West region.

The Westcountry Women Awards aim to celebrate the relentless efforts and dedication of individuals and organisations committed to making the South West one of the safest regions in the country. The Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls Award Category is sponsored by Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, who has prioritised addressing violence in her Police and Crime Plan.

Jeanie Lynch has been the Programme Manager for the CoLab Women Programme since it began in 2017.

Due to the massive growth in needs of women in the city she is now focused on establishing a dedicated women's centre in Exeter, which will create a safe space for any women in the city in need of support.

With years of experience in supporting women and girls, Jeanie has heard again and again from women how much they would value having a safe space to access a range of support under one roof.

This could include support with housing, benefits, domestic and sexual violence workers, training and employment, group work and access to mental health support.

Jeanie said: "I am a bit blown away by reaching the semi-finals of the West Country Women Awards and the kindness that has come with this shortlisting - thank you so much! It gives us a real opportunity to start raising the awareness needed to make a women's centre for Exeter a reality - a place to access safety, services, and support."