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Women Acting In Today’s Society (WAITS)

@waitscharity

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UK-based charity offering 4 core services to support & empower women
👩🏽Domestic Abuse Help
🏡Refuge Accommodation
🌆Community Integration
💖VI Project

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Ever wondered how much WAITS has changed since it was first founded?

Marcia Lewinson (CEO of WAITS) comes forward to explain WAITS’ beginnings and how it has changed over time in this reel.

WAITS was originally a campaigning group that helped women set up community-based groups and overcome challenges. In 1997, WAITS moved into supporting domestic abuse victims who were living primarily in the community. Since then, we have continued to support domestic abuse victims. WAITS also impacted women’s lives by helping influence domestic abuse policy since the beginning up until now.

Fast forward to 2012 and beyond, WAITS already had our community-based domestic abuse services and our community organising arm, so we opened our first refuge. The structure of WAITS has also changed gradually from mainly a community organising charity at the beginning to include support workers, refuge workers, counsellors and workshop facilitators now.

Marcia said that she would like to see WAITS become more sustainable and continue to provide emergency accommodation for women in the future. WAITS is working on a new project that focuses on providing affordable housing for women so that when they are fleeing domestic abuse, they don’t have to suffer poverty.

Please check out the reel we have posted if you are interested!

#WAITS #WomenSupportingWomen #SupportSurvivors #EndDomesticAbuse
#CommunitySupport #SocialImpact #OurStory #BehindTheMission
#MakingADifference #CharityLife #NonprofitOrganisation
#StrongerTogether #EmpoweringWomen #SurvivorSupport
#ChangingLives by @waitscharity

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4 months ago

Domestic abuse is more than physical violence.

It can be control.
It can be fear.
It can be manipulation.
It can be isolation.

Not all abuse leaves visible bruises, but that doesn't make it any less harmful.

By understanding the different forms of domestic abuse, we can help break the silence, challenge misconceptions, and support those who may be struggling.
You are not alone. Support is available.

#DomesticAbuseAwareness #EndDomesticAbuse #YouAreNotAlone #HealthyRelationships #DomesticAbuseSupport #WAITS by @waitscharity

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9 days ago

Congratulations to Byron Batten on completing the London to Brighton Cycle Ride 2026! 🚴‍♂️

On Sunday 13 September, Byron joined around 5,500 cyclists to take on the iconic 55-mile route from Clapham Common to Brighton Seafront.
Starting his day at 1.30am, Byron travelled to London before setting off at 6am and tackling a challenging course filled with demanding hills, unpredictable weather and the famous Ditchling Beacon climb.Despite experiencing intense cramp shortly before the final ascent, Byron showed incredible determination and resilience, completing the ride in an impressive 4 hours and 15 minutes, his fastest London to Brighton time yet.

What makes Byron's achievement even more inspiring is his continued commitment to supporting WAITS through his cycling challenges. Over the last few years, Byron has raised more than £2,500 for WAITS, helping us continue to provide vital support to women and families across Birmingham. This year, he is aiming to raise even more, turning every mile ridden into meaningful impact for our community.

Reflecting on the challenge, Byron said:
"The best part was reaching the top of Ditchling Beacon without stopping. My legs were hurting, and I was crying inside, but when I saw the flags near the summit saying, 'You're nearly there, you can do this,' I felt enormous joy and elation."

Byron's dedication, perseverance and generosity are truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for his ongoing support and proud to celebrate not only an outstanding cycling achievement, but also the difference he continues to make through his fundraising efforts.
Congratulations, Byron, on an amazing accomplishment both on and off the bike! 👏🎉
To support Bryon and WAITS ~ https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/br-X3YYQBY23RYR-the-tour-de-northamptonshire-cyclosportive?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM
#LondonToBrighton #Fundraising #WAITSCommunity #CommunityChampion #CyclingChallenge #Determination #Achievement #MakingADifference 🚴‍♂️🌟 by @waitscharity

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12 days ago

Our Annual Ball is coming up on 7th November, and we’re putting together an amazing raffle to raise money for women rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse.

Got a prize you’d love to donate? Big or small — it all makes a difference.
Every contribution helps us support even more survivors and keep our services growing.

To donate a prize, get in touch via support@waitsaction.org
🌟Interested in attending our Pink Ball? Head to our website! by @waitscharity

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25 days ago

WAITS are here to support you. If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic abuse, get in touch with us and we’ll help you access the right support.
There are several ways you can get in touch so please choose whichever feels safest for you when you are ready.
You are not alone.
#WAITS #DomesticAbuseAwareness #Birmingham by @waitscharity

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a month ago

At WAITS, we provide one-to-one support for women facing a wide range of challenges, including welfare benefits, housing and resettlement issues, domestic abuse, isolation, and physical and mental health concerns.
Unlike many services, our support is not time limited. We work alongside women for as long as support is needed, helping them overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
Our core services include:
✨ Community Integration Support
✨ Community Organising
✨ Domestic Abuse Support
✨ Women's Refuge
No matter where you are on your journey, WAITS is here to listen, support, and empower.
📞 Get in touch to find out how we can help.
#WAITS #WomenActingInTodaysSociety #WomenSupportingWomen #CommunitySupport #DomesticAbuseSupport #Empowerment #WomensServices #MakingADifference by @waitscharity

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a month ago

On 7th November, we’re hosting our Annual Ball, and we’re calling on businesses who want to stand up, show up, and make real impact. By sponsoring, you’re backing a charity that has already supported 500+ survivors… and you can help us reach even more.

What you get:
- Tickets to our glam ball + 3‑course meal & entertainment
- Advertising in our event brochure
- A front‑row seat in driving real change for women in our community.
If your business believes in empowerment, safety, and second chances, this is your moment.
Contact support@waitsaction.org to secure your package.
Deadline: 8th October

🫶Interested in attending our Ball? Head to our website!
#Fundraiser #SupportLocalCharities #WomenSupportingWomen #WAITS #MakeADifference #CommunitySupport #WomenEmpowerment by @waitscharity

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a month ago

A huge thank you to Network Rail and the HERizon team for gathering and donating an incredible collection of essential items for WAITS.

Their support couldn’t have come at a better time — these donations align perfectly with the opening of our new women’s refuge, helping us provide immediate comfort and practical support to women arriving in crisis.

We’re so grateful for the effort put in across Central Route, and for everyone who contributed through the collection points. Partnerships like this truly strengthen our mission to empower and protect women across Birmingham
#WAITS #NetworkRail #HERizon #WomenSupportingWomen #BirminghamCharity #CommunitySupport #RefugeOpening #WorldHumanitarianDay by @waitscharity

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a month ago

Are you ready to connect with inspiring women and grow your network?⭐

Join us on 15th September 6–8pm at Regina’s Restaurant, Birmingham, for our next WAITS Sister Circle event — an empowering evening for women in business, leadership and community roles.

We’re honoured to welcome Dame Beverly Lindsay DBE OD DL, who will be sharing “Breaking Barriers: Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime of Firsts.” You don’t want to miss this.

🎟️ Tickets: £35
📍 Regina’s Restaurant, 11 Newhall St, Birmingham
🔗 Book now: https://buytickets.at/waits/2328494

❤️If you love the vibe of Sister Circle, you can also explore becoming a member — with exclusive events, networking opportunities, discounts and a chance to support WAITS’ vital work with women experiencing domestic abuse. by @waitscharity

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a month ago

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a month ago

Are you wondering how Byron Bailey’s cycling challenges are going?

WAITS recently posted that one of our ambassadors, a cyclist named Byron Bailey, is taking on three cycling challenges to raise money for WAITS.

Byron has already completed the first two challenges and his next cycling challenge will the London-to-Brighton ride on the 13th of September, 2026. However, Byron decided to complete the 28-mile Black Unity Ride on the 1st of August, 2026.

Founded in London in 2020, it celebrates Black joy, community, health and wellbeing, while encouraging more Black people to get involved in cycling and active lifestyles.

This is how Byron described his experience:
“The easiest way to describe it is exactly how the organisers do – it really is a carnival on bikes.
There were well over a thousand cyclists riding through London with music pumping from huge speakers attached to bikes, people laughing, chatting and cheering each other on. Every time we stopped at traffic lights it almost turned into a street party. Someone would turn the music up and, before you knew it, hundreds of people were singing reggae, dancehall or Afrobeats together. It felt like one giant flash mob choir on bicycles.
Another highlight was simply seeing so many Black people, families and especially women out cycling together. In many of the cycling events I've done over the years, Black cyclists are often underrepresented. Seeing so many people enjoying cycling together was genuinely inspiring.
The Black Unity Bike Ride did exactly that. It reminded me that cycling isn't just about getting from A to B. It's about bringing people together, building community and creating moments of joy that stay with you long after you've got off the bike.
The atmosphere was electric from start to finish.”

If you are interested in supporting both WAITS and Byron Bailey, please donate at the secure JustGiving link below.

Please donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/.../br-X3YYQBY23RYR-the-tour...

#WAITS #Fundraising #CyclingChallenge #SupportSurvivors #WomenSupportingWomen #CharityRide
#CycleForChange #Fundraiser #SupportLocalCharities #EndDomesticAbuse #RideForACause by @waitscharity

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a month ago

Congratulations to Byron, for completing his longest and hardest 104-mile cycling challenge from Wolverhampton to Aberdovey last Friday, 19th June 2026!

For those of you who don’t know WAITS Ambassador, Byron Bailey, recently announced that he is taking on multiple cycling challenges to help raise money for WAITS.

WAITS interviewed Byron so that he could share some of his experiences on the ride with you:

"Your ride was last Friday - the 104-mile ride. How was it?
Yes, last Friday I completed the 104-mile ride from Wolverhampton to Aberdovey. It was my fourth time doing it and, strangely, it was probably both the hardest and the one I enjoyed the most.

It is a beautiful ride because the landscape changes continually as you travel from the West Midlands into Wales. There are hills, valleys, rivers and, eventually, the wonderful view as you arrive at the estuary in Aberdovey. However, this year, the weather made sure we earned every mile. We had a relentless headwind, periods of sideways rain and moments when even cycling downhill felt like hard work.

Despite that, I found myself enjoying the experience. At some point, you stop arguing with the weather, accept that this is the ride you have been given and concentrate on continuing to move forward.

The ride also had a deeper purpose. I was raising money for WAITS, which supports women affected by domestic abuse and adversity, and continuing a fundraising journey inspired by my late mum and her commitment to women’s education, independence and development. Remembering that purpose helped put the temporary discomfort into perspective."

WAITS would like to say that we are very grateful for everything that Byron is doing to support us, and wish him good luck on his next rides, which will be the Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR) in London on Saturday, 1 August (a much shorter ride) and the 55-mile London to Brighton Cycle Ride on Sunday, 13 September!

If you are interested in supporting both WAITS and Byron Bailey, please donate at the secure JustGiving link below. No amount is too small.

http://bit.ly/4avb4iX by @waitscharity

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a month ago