ABOUT US

Our Story

Watford Women's Centre was established in 1989 by a group of exceptional women who came together to volunteer their time and support to victims of sexual violence and rape in and around Watford.

Over the past 30 years the charity has developed a needs-led service, shaped by what local women tell us makes a real and lasting difference in their lives. We recognise that the challenges women face can often be complex and overwhelming, and we strive to reduce gender inequality, build trusting relationships and empower women to become independent, productive and healthy.

The charity has also been responsive to the needs of the wider community and we now deliver education and training services to men as well as women over the age of 18, who are in need of support in and around the Watford area and across Hertfordshire. Our domestic abuse services are for women only, and our Centre remains a safe space for them.

Our Mission

We provide life changing services for women to lead independent, productive and healthier lives, and also support our wider community

Our Vision

To create a community wide culture that has zero tolerance for family or partner abuse and that fosters healthy relationships based on mutual respect and equality

Our values

Encouraging of involvement and empowerment

We are a centre for all women, offering information, support, education and signposting, with a women only space available at the centre.

Generous of spirit and resource

Valuing each woman by sharing of our time and resources.

Respectful of difference and non-judgemental

We provide a place that values every woman's contribution and does all it can to support personal development.

All women are welcome

Every woman is accepted. We are an organisation that actively values diversity and sees diversity as a source of enrichment.

Responsive to changing needs

Our programmes reflect what our current clients have told us they want and we see our role as trying to accommodate any woman's changing needs.

Low cost

We aim to keep costs to a minimum and provide an affordable service.

Confidential

We respect any woman's right to privacy and maintain total confidentiality unless there are safeguarding issues.

A safe space

We provide a safe and mutually respectful place to work, learn and grow.

Our Strategy

The cornerstone aims that inform our strategies are as follows:

Improving the lives of those we support. We will ensure that we can provide help to those who need it in a seamless, sensitive and supportive way.
Creating happy and productive teams. We will continue investing in our staff and volunteers to build strong, collaborative and motivated teams.
Increasing the visibility of and support for the organisation. We will ensure we are here for generations to come by continuing to support, empower and educate vulnerable women and others in our community.
Build upon our high quality services by operating efficiently. We will continue to improve how we operate as a charity, delivering efficient, high quality and well managed services.

Our Team

Our Charity is governed by a board of trustees who have a range of expertise across key areas of the organisation. Day to day management of the charity is delegated to the Chief Executive with support from a team of dedicated and experienced Service Leads and delivery staff.

Our volunteers are highly valued and over 50 volunteers bring passion and experience to support the delivery of services such as teaching, administration, reception, and counselling.

We are connected to a wide range of local partners whose support is invaluable in helping us deliver high quality integrated support to our clients.

Lucy Martin - CEO

Lucy Martin joined Watford Women's Centre in March 2024, as the CEO responsible for leading the charity's strategic vision. Following a career at BBC, Lucy has worked in VCSE sector for 12 years, firstly as a counsellor at a Rape Crisis Centre and then in various leadership roles at a Carers Support Organisation. Lucy is a strong advocate for women's rights and believes the charity plays an integral role in ensuring all women in our community are able to access the support they need.

Dirin Hamakarim - Education & Training Manager

Dirin Hamakarim is a qualified teacher and career advisor, she has worked at WWC for 15 years. A passionate and determined service area lead, Dirin ensures that every person who decides to learn with us achieves and thrives. Dirin has supported many volunteers over the years, to develop skills and confidence, gain qualifications, and move into work both at the centre as tutors and the wider local labour market.

Fiona McQuay - Head of Services

Fiona joined the organisation in 2026 as Head of Services, bringing a background in perinatal mental health and the criminal justice sector, alongside experience in project management and service coordination. She leads the development and delivery of support services, with a strong focus on quality and impact. Fiona is passionate about advocating for women who are marginalised and minoritised, and is committed to improving access to safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed support.

Leah Selinger – Chair of Trustees

Leah has over two decades of experience as a fundraiser and senior manager in the voluntary sector. She runs a small consultancy helping charities and social enterprises, helping them become more effective and sustainable. In addition to her role of Chair of Trustees at Watford Women’s Centre, Leah is Chair of Governors at a primary school in Abbots Langley.