Eastbourne women’s lockdown stories to be told in new book

WayfinderWoman launched the Women in Lockdown project – a collection of more than 100 stories by and about women during Covid-19.

Laura Murphy, CEO of WayfinderWoman, said they wanted to make women feel ‘important and heard’, and they never expected to get as many stories back as they did. She said, “they were so good we had to get them published.”

Polly Russell, a curator at the British Library, has called the gathering of these stories ‘a great initiative.’

The book is called ‘Women in Lockdown: Stories by and about women during COVID-19’.

Then came the Magnificent 7 challenge, which saw seven volunteers walk 26 miles in fancy dress to raise money to get the book published.

Their aim is to publish the stories not only to help with mental wellbeing, which many have struggled with through lockdown, but because they want their voices heard today, and remembered in the future.

The charity works to help women find ways to build their self-confidence and skill sets by holding group workshops, personal coaching, and conferences, as well as drop-in advice sessions.

Nicola Allen, who has been with the charity for two years, said, “Being a volunteer gives me a sense of achievement: helping, whilst meeting the community in a way I otherwise wouldn’t have.

“The best thing about volunteering is the wonderful friends I have made, the projects I’ve worked on, and the lively social life it has given me.

The project has nearly raised 70 per cent of its target of £2,800.

Anyone wanting to find out more, or wanting to donate, can head to www.wayfinderwoman.com