Woman thanks charity for 'rebirthing her life'

Annie (left) was supported by Gifted Women, founded by Jenny Adjene (right)

A Plymouth charity that helps women 'fulfil their potential' has been given nearly £200,000 of lottery funding.

The charity supports women who are rebuilding their lives, after substance misuse, homelessness and contact with the criminal justice system, to access employment.

One woman told the BBC the charity had "rebirthed her whole life" with its support.

Founder Jenny Adjene said: "We want to support 50 women a year, so the funding will allow us to do that."

She said: "We would really welcome anyone reaching out - if you wonder if employment may ever be an option for you with support then do reach out."

Ms Adjene said the group helped women to "take their power back" and fulfil their potential in areas including the workplace.

She said she was inspired to launch the charity during lockdown, when she turned her business into a social enterprise, employing more women.

The National Lottery Community Fund has chosen to support Gifted Women with a grant of £198,545.

Annie, a service user who now works for the charity, described its work as "phenomenal".

Describing experiencing sexual and domestic abuse as well as drug addiction she said it led to her "life spiralling out of control" and hitting "rock bottom".

Seven years ago, she moved from a women's refuge in Wales to Devon, where she experienced mental health problems.

"I felt I had no hope and had kind of given up on life," she added.

Diagnosed with PTSD and depression, Annie said a chance meeting with Ms Adjene in a coffee shop was the ray of light she needed.

"Opportunities in life don't come along every day, you grab hold of them and go with them.

"Gifted women rebirthed my whole life," she added.

She continued: "They gave me confidence, courage, they gave me a family but also they believed in me and handed me the opportunity to live my dreams and work with women who have been through trauma."

Annie said she was "truly blessed" to now be in a position to work with women who have been through trauma and domestic abuse.

"There is hope and charities like Gifted Women and the work Jenny and the team does is phenomenal."