Key Change in Leadership at Beyond the Streets

We want to share with you a message from our co-founders and current co-directors, Josephine and Mark:

When Beyond the Streets started in 1999, we were responding to the needs of many women who found themselves being sexually exploited throughout the UK. As we talked with these women and those supporting them in different towns and cities, we heard stories of violence, prejudice and insufficient support. This galvanised us to do something and Beyond the Streets was established.

Over the years, the charity has grown, and we have had amazing people, funders and organisations partner with us. There are too many to name in person, but we are thankful for all those who have played a part. This has enabled a growth in support for women who face exploitation, whether through survival sex or other forms of exploitation. Beyond the Streets has supported hundreds of women and provided specialist training for thousands of people in the UK.

Nearly twenty-five years later, we have a great staff team and valued support base. All people who are playing a part to see a different world for the women we work alongside. As we approach this milestone, we have sensed it is time as co-founders to stand down and transition the leadership of the charity. On our request, the trustees have started the process of recruiting a new leader for the next stage in the organisation’s journey and we will start public recruitment over the coming months. In the meantime, we will be delivering our services as normal and ensuring women continue to get the support they need.

We again want to thank you for your ongoing support of Beyond the Streets as we journey towards a new phase in our story. Together, with you our community of supporters, we’ll continue to work to achieve much needed systemic change, support women to enable them to thrive and reach their self-determined goals, and give lived experience voices a platform.

Josephine Knowles and Mark Wakeling