On the 15th of November 2025, our core team, therapists and trustees came together for a very special Maya Centre Away Day. It was a day dedicated to connection, reflection and renewed motivation – grounding ourselves once again in the mission, vision and purpose that bring us all to this work.
Because many of our team work part-time, freelance or remotely, it’s a rare and precious thing for everyone to be in the same room at the same time. Gathering in person, overlooking the stunning views of London, felt genuinely special. It was a chance to slow down, check in with one another, and be reminded of the shared values and care that sit at the heart of The Maya Centre.
Over breakfast and lunch, we shared presentations, reflected on the past year, and celebrated successes across the organisation. We spent time discussing our organisational objectives for the next five years as part of our new strategy for 2025-30, facilitated by Jade Leahy, this part created an environment of shared vision, understanding and commitment for the years ahead. The afternoon discussion focused on revisiting our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and the session ended with individual pledges to the values of safe and accessible spaces for all women and girls in our communities, expand on language provision and continue providing culturally responsive interventions.
We took part in calming, enjoyable team-building activities that helped us recharge and reconnect, not just as colleagues, but as people who deeply care about this work and one another.
A real highlight of the day was a surprise visit from one of our Patrons, Siobhán McSweeney, BAFTA award-winning actress and long-standing patron and supporter of the Maya Centre. Alongside her personal generosity to us, Siobhán has raised funds for the charity in recent years, and it meant so much to welcome her into the space.
Our Chair of Trustees Meera Nair shared heartfelt thanks to Siobhán, saying:
“Part of that is a sign of how much the Maya Centre means to people, how much the quality of the work that is done matters. It means that people like Siobhán, who are really committed to this work, feel confident that the money raised will be used well. We owe it to Siobhán, we owe it to our clients, and we owe it to ourselves to continue doing what we have always done – stretching every pound for maximum impact for our clients in London.”
In recognition of long-term commitment and support to Maya Centre and women’s wellbeing, Siobhán was gifted a beautiful handmade necklace from YACreates, an independent Black-owned business. Receiving the gift, Siobhán shared:
“You’re a small charity, and it’s really important to me that the little jewels people don’t always see get the attention they deserve. If I have any power in this world to shine a light on smaller, vibrant and brilliant women and organisations, that’s something I care deeply about. This means so much to me, not only because it’s handmade, but because it’s made by a friend and an independent maker. I’ll wear it with pride.”
By the end of the day, there was a shared feeling of warmth, gratitude and renewed energy. Everyone left feeling uplifted, reconnected and ready to step into the new year with purpose, care and confidence, continuing the work that matters so deeply to us and the women we support.