Marie's Story: “I’ve done it, so can you”

“I was at the end of my tether and wanted some sort of change. My children had been removed from my care. I was having a tough time with social services and struggling after the pandemic.”

Then Marie* found Luminary Women, a charity helping women find jobs and become independent. Almost all the women helped by Luminary Women have experienced gender-based violence. In addition, last year 93% were on persistently low incomes and 50% had experience of homelessness. 

Through support from Lloyds Bank Foundation, Luminary Women received a £77,500 three-year grant, alongside staff laptops and support to strengthen its brand, governance and organisational structure.

“Luminary Women made a big difference. I learned how to bake, but also some social skills. Before, I struggled to speak to strangers when sober.

“I found reading and writing hard, but there was always someone to help me. My support worker pushed me in the right direction because she believed in me. A lot of people at Luminary Women believed in me before I believed in myself.”

With Luminary’s support, Marie broke the cycle she had been trapped in. She gained work experience in a kitchen, secured a café apprenticeship, and now works as a café assistant.

“I never thought I’d last two years, let alone get a job. Luminary has built my stability, my community and my confidence. I’ve even started to rebuild my relationship with my family after 30 years.”

“There are so many women out there like me, and I get to say to them ‘There is life after all of this. You can get through it’.”

Each year, Luminary Women works alongside around 100 women through its two-year programme. Of the women who completed the programme in 2025: 

*Marie's name has been changed.