Meet Isobel
Tell us a bit about yourself
Bath became home after coming to university here almost thirty years ago, and I fell into a career in fundraising through lots of experience gained through Bath Rag during my student days and the wonderful opportunities to organise events, collections and connect with local and national charities.
I'm honoured to work at Southside Family Project, based in Twerton, to support our Community Hub Groups, domestic abuse and family support services. I wear many hats through other freelance and volunteer roles, all connected to amazing organisations and supporting incredible women making a difference in their communities.
What inspired you to join Bath Women's Fund?
I co-founded Bath Women's Fund with Emma in 2018, having been inspired by Melbourne Women's Fund while working in Australia for five years. With Emma's philanthropy expertise and knowledge of Giving Circles, we thought the collective giving approach could succeed here if enough women were interested in coming together to learn, connect and support our local communities. And they were - it's been wonderful to meet and learn from so many amazing women and organisations, visit inspiring local spaces, thanks to our wonderful Events Group, and award over £120,000 together.
What are the issues that you are most passionate about?
I'm passionate about community-led change, shifting power and trusting people with personal experience to shape the decisions and services that affect their lives and communities. And I've seen what a difference this makes in Twerton and Whiteway through investment in the Community Network. I also love the difference that women make through coming together to give as a collective, support each other and our communities.
What would you be most interested in learning about as a Bath Women's Fund member?
Our walks in partnership with the BANES Women's Leadership Network provide the opportunity to research and share stories of women and girls who have lived and work in Bath. There's so many more stories to find and share, and new areas to explore in future walks. I love learning about the women and girls who are making a difference in our communities today too - through our events, connecting with Bath Women's Fund members and the organisations we support together.
What is your favourite place/thing to do in and around Bath?
I love the view from Bath City Farm and highly recommend the café and events there. Bath is such a walkable city and there are so many great routes available, thanks to great initiatives such as the Tree Trails and The Bath 5k Map, created by Bath Women's Fund member, Annie Legge, and which now includes our Women and Girls’ History Walk.