#WomenBehind18Keys: Sally Balcombe CBE
#WomenBehind18Keys: Sally Balcombe CBE Sally is the former CEO of Visit Britain, a non-executive director of travel company Mr and Mrs Smith, and a governor…
#WomenBehind18Keys: Amanda Marmot
Amanda is a part-time film producer, property developer and voluntary supporter of student refugees. She is a member of the 18 Keys campaign committee.
Can you share a bit about your background?
For many years, I’ve been a film producer, but recently I’ve been occupied with administrative tasks related to my family. We have a Ukrainian student living with us. I am involved in one or two other refugee movements, but only in an advisory capacity, because some of the work I’ve done in the past is quite useful for people trying to build businesses or build careers here.
Why are you supporting the 18 Keys Project?
I was attracted to the small-scale, specific nature of the project. If the whole concept works, then that small idea can then be carried out on more of a national scale. And I think it’s really important because I think sometimes we just forget that at the end of the day, these are individual people with really desperate stories.
What does having a home mean to you?
One thing is the stability, but the other thing is being in control of your own space. So it’s empowering if your space belongs to you and you control it. And I think that’s absolutely something that is just totally missing if you’re homeless.
What is your favourite room at home?
My office, because it’s where all my things are and it’s entirely my space.
What sort of feelings come to mind when you’ve had a difficult day, when you come home and you can shut the door behind you?
Well, I suppose it’s relief, isn’t it? Relief to be safe back inside your own space, rather than having to share space with other people
The 18 Keys project will come to life in a redeveloped property owned and managed by The Connection at St Martin’s.
Our goal is to raise £2.3m. Your support will help pay for the redevelopment, which will include one-to-one therapy rooms, studio apartments, emergency bed spaces and a new communal area.
You can make a one-off donation, or set up a regular donation. Donate here.
