In 2017, we were a group of 15 or so mums, grandmas, daughters and members of the public concerned about the difficult time mums and under-fives were having in temporary or insecure accommodation in our neighbourhood.
We resolved to try to give them somewhere clean, fun and supportive to spend time during the day.
Nearly four years later, we have been so lucky to be able to attract the very best staff and volunteers to help us fulfill our mission.
Meet the team
Staff
Our staff are an amazingly dedicated and professional bunch of women – we are so lucky to have them.
Jules Robertson Family Support Manager
What do you do?
I ensure mums can access the support and services they need and feel secure, safe and cared for in order to help their children feel the same.
When did you join?
I started volunteering with Magpie in September 2019 and started as Family Support Manager in September 2020.
What do we not know about you?
I am a registered midwife with almost 30 years’ experience of working in women’s health, safe motherhood and maternity care so I know what excellent care and best practice look like and how to access and demand this – as well as challenge poor care.
What do you love about your job?
I love to see the relief of many of our mums when they come to us and we welcome them with a big warm, smile. I love to see their confidence grow with each visit when they realise someone else is looking out for them and they are part of one big family of phenomenal women.
| Amy Ross CFO What do you do? I look after all the money that comes in and out of the Project, including fundraising and managing relationships with our funders, and making sure that every penny is spent fulfilling our charity purpose. When did you join? I joined as a trustee in 2018 and then became part of the staff team in 2020. What do we not know about you? Managing our finances gives me a really interesting birds-eye perspective of the work we do. And I love telling our story and bringing different people into our family through fundraising. |
What do you love about your job?
I feel really proud to be part of an organisation that puts mums and children right at the very centre of everything we do. It’s at the heart of our strategy and is part of what makes the Magpie Project so special.
Hannah Duthie Play Manager
What do you do?
I create spaces and support safe, open ended play opportunities for our families. I organise beautiful, stimulating and fun play sessions for mums and minis whilst overseeing our wonderful volunteers who support me to run the play space.
When did you join?
I joined the team in 2018. My first task was getting the toy cupboard under control.
What do we not know about you?
My decades of experience in Early Years education and Special Needs means I come with a wealth of knowledge. I have the best job in the world. I can usually be found on the swing or in the sandpit!
What do you love about your job?
I love to play alongside mums and minis both inside and out in our park, watching our minis grow and develop is an absolute privilege.
Marcia Thompson Graduation Manager
What do you do?
I identify needs and actions to support mothers to overcome barriers to move forward during their transition to living independently. This consists of outlining options, reviewing pathways and signposting to practical resources such as housing, welfare benefits, education, training, and employment.
When did you join?
I have worked at Magpie since September 2020.
What do we not know about you?
No two days are the same at The Magpie Project!
What do you love about your job?
Engaging, empowering, and encouraging mothers during transition is crucial in terms of their healing. It can take immense strength for some mothers to break away from their past and visualise a brighter and better future for themselves. So, I find being able to support, help and neutralise some of these feelings can help to transform feelings of despair into optimism, which I find most rewarding.
Lindita Dafkur, Facilities Assistant
What do you do?
I organise and prepare essential and non essential products for our mums and minis. This involves hundreds of nappies, wipes, new baby bags, buggies, food and clothing.
When did you join?
First of alI I volunteered at the Magpie Project in 2018, I have been employed since September 2020.
What do we not know about you?
We provide a service that I am very proud of, this helps us build great long lasting relationships and provide a stepping stone for the mums to hear their voices in our community.
What do you love about your job?
My job is very rewarding, I get to work with people who share a common goal to help and support the mums of east London.
Jane Williams Founder and CEO
What do you do?
I spend my time talking to our wonderful mums and minis about how to make their lives better through advocacy, practical support, belonging and advice. I then try to source all the things that they tell me they need – through partnerships and collaborations with corporate, community, charity and statutory bodies. My main aim is to bring the very best to our precious families.
When did you join?
I first started exploring the needs of women with young children in Newham in autumn 2016. Our first six-week pilot was in June 2017, we became a charity in December 2017.
What do we not know about you?
I will turn any conversation to food. I have a dream of creating a community kitchen at the project where we can all cook and share food from around the world.
What do you love about your job?
I love everything about my job. Meeting and spending time with resourceful and fascinating women from all around the world, cuddling London’s most beautiful babies, and learning every day from our dedicated volunteers and staff. This is a joy, not a job.
Trustees
Sveta Alladi is a consultant paediatrician and currently a Named Doctor for Looked After Children for the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Alladi graduated with distinction from the Royal Free and University College Medical School. She also has an MA degree from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She has worked on child health and policy in the UK, Europe and Chile.
“I am excited to join The Magpie Project as a Trustee to connect with the local community in which I work and really listen to the issues affecting children and families in Newham. I am keen to work collaboratively with the team to understand how to prevent the impact of adverse childhood experiences in the vulnerable population we support.”
Anu Anand has been a global journalist and radio presenter since 1997, mostly for the BBC World Service. She has lived and worked in several countries, including India, and covered news events and global issues in places like Egypt, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nepal, Mongolia, Uruguay, Tanzania, Europe and the US. She is a University of North Carolina Distinguished Alumna (2020) and the winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Media Award (2019).
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Radhika Bynon is a portfolio manager at Impact on Urban Health, a foundation working to reduce health inequalities. A long-standing Newham resident, she spent lockdown working for One Newham, supporting community-led action in meeting urgent need. For many years she was a trustee at Community Links, a key anchor organisation in Newham. She is a board member of Global Fund for Women, a US-based foundation focussing on women’s rights globally and is chair of Global Fund for Women UK, and chair of Asha Trust (Sri Lanka) supporting a local team of community workers.
“The Magpie Project is an inspiring organisation doing important work with women and children in tough circumstances. I was keen to join the board because my mother arrived in this country with her young children with no family or friends here, and we four lived in one small room, largely dependent on the kindness of strangers. And despite the racism and poverty, we met good people.”
Aimee Dorsett-Browne is Head of Enterprise Development at Equally Ours, the membership body for the equality sector. Her primary areas of expertise are around grant-making, social investment and building grassroots social enterprise activities. She has worked both on mainland Europe and in Central America and holds a MA from SOAS in Global Diplomacy.
“Living in East London, I have been keen to get involved in the incredible work of The Magpie Project for a while. My expertise lies in income diversification and programme design across the equality sector and I hope to use this knowledge to support The Magpie Project, mums and minis.”
Paula Reily (Treasurer) provides freelance book-keeping services and consults for small charities and not-for-profits. She has a Post Graduate Certificate focused in charity accounting and finance management from Southbank University. She chairs the Finance and Fundraising Subcommittee of the trustee board.
“I have lived in Newham all my life and I am keen to use my qualifications, skill and experience in charity finance & governance to support Newham-based charities to make a positive impact on our community.”
Find out more
Trustees
Sveta Alladi is a consultant paediatrician and currently a Named Doctor for Looked After Children for the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Alladi graduated with distinction from the Royal Free and University College Medical School. She also has an MA degree from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She has worked on child health and policy in the UK, Europe and Chile.
“I am excited to join The Magpie Project as a Trustee to connect with the local community in which I work and really listen to the issues affecting children and families in Newham. I am keen to work collaboratively with the team to understand how to prevent the impact of adverse childhood experiences in the vulnerable population we support.”
Anu Anand has been a global journalist and radio presenter since 1997, mostly for the BBC World Service. She has lived and worked in several countries, including India, and covered news events and global issues in places like Egypt, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nepal, Mongolia, Uruguay, Tanzania, Europe and the US. She is a University of North Carolina Distinguished Alumna (2020) and the winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Media Award (2019).
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Radhika Bynon is a portfolio manager at Impact on Urban Health, a foundation working to reduce health inequalities. A long-standing Newham resident, she spent lockdown working for One Newham, supporting community-led action in meeting urgent need. For many years she was a trustee at Community Links, a key anchor organisation in Newham. She is a board member of Global Fund for Women, a US-based foundation focussing on women’s rights globally and is chair of Global Fund for Women UK, and chair of Asha Trust (Sri Lanka) supporting a local team of community workers.
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Aimee Dorsett-Browne
Living in East London, I have been keen to get involved in the incredible work of The Magpie Project for a while. My expertise lies in income diversification and programme design across the equality sector and I hope to use this knowledge to support The Magpie Project, mums and minis.
Paula Reily
I have lived in Newham all my life and I am keen to use my qualifications, skill and experience in charity finance & governance to support Newham-based charities to make a positive impact on our community.
Find out more
Trustees
Sveta Alladi is a consultant paediatrician and currently a Named Doctor for Looked After Children for the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Alladi graduated with distinction from the Royal Free and University College Medical School. She also has an MA degree from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She has worked on child health and policy in the UK, Europe and Chile.
“I am excited to join The Magpie Project as a Trustee to connect with the local community in which I work and really listen to the issues affecting children and families in Newham. I am keen to work collaboratively with the team to understand how to prevent the impact of adverse childhood experiences in the vulnerable population we support.”
Anu Anand has been a global journalist and radio presenter since 1997, mostly for the BBC World Service. She has lived and worked in several countries, including India, and covered news events and global issues in places like Egypt, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nepal, Mongolia, Uruguay, Tanzania, Europe and the US. She is a University of North Carolina Distinguished Alumna (2020) and the winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Media Award (2019).
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Radhika Bynon is a portfolio manager at Impact on Urban Health, a foundation working to reduce health inequalities. A long-standing Newham resident, she spent lockdown working for One Newham, supporting community-led action in meeting urgent need. For many years she was a trustee at Community Links, a key anchor organisation in Newham. She is a board member of Global Fund for Women, a US-based foundation focussing on women’s rights globally and is chair of Global Fund for Women UK, and chair of Asha Trust (Sri Lanka) supporting a local team of community workers.
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Aimee Dorsett-Browne
Living in East London, I have been keen to get involved in the incredible work of The Magpie Project for a while. My expertise lies in income diversification and programme design across the equality sector and I hope to use this knowledge to support The Magpie Project, mums and minis.
Paula Reily
I have lived in Newham all my life and I am keen to use my qualifications, skill and experience in charity finance & governance to support Newham-based charities to make a positive impact on our community.
Find out more
Trustees
Sveta Alladi is a consultant paediatrician and currently a Named Doctor for Looked After Children for the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Alladi graduated with distinction from the Royal Free and University College Medical School. She also has an MA degree from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She has worked on child health and policy in the UK, Europe and Chile.
“I am excited to join The Magpie Project as a Trustee to connect with the local community in which I work and really listen to the issues affecting children and families in Newham. I am keen to work collaboratively with the team to understand how to prevent the impact of adverse childhood experiences in the vulnerable population we support.”
Anu Anand has been a global journalist and radio presenter since 1997, mostly for the BBC World Service. She has lived and worked in several countries, including India, and covered news events and global issues in places like Egypt, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nepal, Mongolia, Uruguay, Tanzania, Europe and the US. She is a University of North Carolina Distinguished Alumna (2020) and the winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Media Award (2019).
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Radhika Bynon is a portfolio manager at Impact on Urban Health, a foundation working to reduce health inequalities. A long-standing Newham resident, she spent lockdown working for One Newham, supporting community-led action in meeting urgent need. For many years she was a trustee at Community Links, a key anchor organisation in Newham. She is a board member of Global Fund for Women, a US-based foundation focussing on women’s rights globally and is chair of Global Fund for Women UK, and chair of Asha Trust (Sri Lanka) supporting a local team of community workers.
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Aimee Dorsett-Browne
Living in East London, I have been keen to get involved in the incredible work of The Magpie Project for a while. My expertise lies in income diversification and programme design across the equality sector and I hope to use this knowledge to support The Magpie Project, mums and minis.
Paula Reily
I have lived in Newham all my life and I am keen to use my qualifications, skill and experience in charity finance & governance to support Newham-based charities to make a positive impact on our community.
Find out more
Trustees
Sveta Alladi is a consultant paediatrician and currently a Named Doctor for Looked After Children for the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Alladi graduated with distinction from the Royal Free and University College Medical School. She also has an MA degree from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She has worked on child health and policy in the UK, Europe and Chile.
“I am excited to join The Magpie Project as a Trustee to connect with the local community in which I work and really listen to the issues affecting children and families in Newham. I am keen to work collaboratively with the team to understand how to prevent the impact of adverse childhood experiences in the vulnerable population we support.”
Anu Anand has been a global journalist and radio presenter since 1997, mostly for the BBC World Service. She has lived and worked in several countries, including India, and covered news events and global issues in places like Egypt, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nepal, Mongolia, Uruguay, Tanzania, Europe and the US. She is a University of North Carolina Distinguished Alumna (2020) and the winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Media Award (2019).
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Radhika Bynon is a portfolio manager at Impact on Urban Health, a foundation working to reduce health inequalities. A long-standing Newham resident, she spent lockdown working for One Newham, supporting community-led action in meeting urgent need. For many years she was a trustee at Community Links, a key anchor organisation in Newham. She is a board member of Global Fund for Women, a US-based foundation focussing on women’s rights globally and is chair of Global Fund for Women UK, and chair of Asha Trust (Sri Lanka) supporting a local team of community workers.
“In 1947, circumstances made my grandparents destitute. They were forced to move from place to place with their infant children seeking sanctuary. I am here today because of the support they received. I want to be a trustee for the Magpie Project because there is no justification in a developed country for keeping people vulnerable and destitute.”
Aimee Dorsett-Browne
Living in East London, I have been keen to get involved in the incredible work of The Magpie Project for a while. My expertise lies in income diversification and programme design across the equality sector and I hope to use this knowledge to support The Magpie Project, mums and minis.
Paula Reily
I have lived in Newham all my life and I am keen to use my qualifications, skill and experience in charity finance & governance to support Newham-based charities to make a positive impact on our community.
Find out more
Proof of address is something that proves where you live. It’s generally a document from a trusted source that has recently been sent to your home address.
Government-issued letters
- Council tax
- Benefits statements
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- Department for Works & Pensions (DWP)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Company-issued letters
- Utility bills
- Insurance certificates
- Tenancy agreement
- TV licence
- Bank statements
Proof of address documents can be split into two types:
- Government-issued letters
- Company-issued letters
Remember to always use printed bills and statements which are not older than 3 months
“Proof of address is very challenging, especially when you’ve just got status. You’re probably not in accommodation yet so haven’t had any bills or anything. You might have to wait for a bill. One bank accepted a housing letter but not all banks would accept that.”
“Try and find your old letters. You never know when you will need them. Don’t throw away important papers (anything that can
prove who you are and what you’ve been up to) and keep them somewhere. I needed proof of address for the past 5 years. Imagine if I was th
rowing things away. Keep letters for hospital appointments and from school etc.”
Magpie Mums say:
Proof of identity is something that proves who you are. It will most likely be an official document with your full name, date of birth and a photo.
Examples of proof of identity:
- Biometric residence permit (BRP)
Once you receive legal permission to stay in the UK, you will usually get a BRP. Your BRP includes your name, your date and place of birth, your fingerprints, a photo of you, your immigration status and information about your access to public funds.
If you lose your BRP or it gets stolen, you must report it and apply for a replacement within 3 months. If you don’t do this, you could be fined up to £1,000 and made to leave the UK.
- Passport:
You can use a valid passport as proof of identity. If your passport has expired and you want to renew it, your country’s consulate should be able to assist you.
- Provisional driving licence (PDL):
You may be able to use a PDL as a proof of identity or address. You can apply for a PDL online which costs £34. After a successful application, you will get your provisional license and your identity documents posted back to you separately. Find out more here.
Magpie Mums Say: “Make sure you confirm your universal credit first, before you send your ID for your provisional license, because it takes a few weeks for them to send it back.”
.
“In my experience, the first thing was to open an online account. Some online banks will take a biometric card. When you download the app, you immediately get your account number and sort code, so you can apply for universal credit. Then, I applied for a provisional license. You have to be careful when you apply to both of these. Make sure you confirm your universal credit first, before you send your ID for your provisional license, because it takes a few weeks for them to send it back and you won’t get paid until you send your ID to universal credit” Magpie Mums
