Rokaiya is the chief executive of Together Women, a charity supporting women and girls across Yorkshire and the Humber. She has over 30years’ experience in the voluntary and criminal justice sectors, leading work on prevention, rehabilitation, and gender-responsive services.

She is a national leader on women’s justice, having co-founded the National Women’s Justice Coalition and advised government through the Advisory Board on Female Offenders since 2015. Rokaiya has secured significant funding for community services, championed co-commissioning with local partners, and shaped national policy to reduce the use of custody for women.

Her career reflects a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived experience leadership. She has contributed to publications on women’s experiences of the justice system and regularly speaks at national events on rehabilitation, leadership, and systemic change.

Alongside her national work, Rokaiya serves as a school governor in Batley and is deeply rooted in her local community, with a strong belief in creating safer futures by listening to the voices of women, families, and communities

Charity role: Committee member

Hi my name is Mike Ford and I am one of the non-executive directors of the Trust. I am the senior independent director which means that I support the Chair in her role by setting her objectives and reviewing progress throughout the year. I also chair the Audit Committee and am a member of the Equality, Involvement and Inclusion Committee.

(I am an accountant by background and before I retired from full-time work I had jobs in finance, technology and corporate governance at the fashion retailer Arcadia Group and then the BBC)

I have been with the Trust since September 2020 and since then have been a member of the Charitable Funds Committee. The Trust’s linked charities carry out a really important role in supporting the activities of the Trust by providing extras over above what comes from NHS funding. Some of the initiatives that we hear about at the Committee are really inspirational and are making a real difference to the lives of our service users across our communities.

I happy very happy to be able to add my support to the running of the charities through my role on the Committee.

Charity role: Committee member

Hello, my name is Dawn Lawson and I am the executive director of strategy and change at the Trust.

Dawn began her career working with people with learning disabilities in the NHS and in the third sector. Since then, Dawn has had a varied career, holding senior and executive level positions across the NHS, achieving impact in complex and uncertain settings.

In 2023, I completed the Mount Everest base trek to raise money for EyUp! charity. The trek was a great achievement, although it was challenging at times, I am happy that I raised money for such an amazing charity.

Charity role: Fundraising manager

Hello, my name is Jana and I am the fundraising manager for EyUp! Charity. I have worked in the NHS for over 16 years and I’m extremely passionate about working with our local communities to help make a difference.

I have the privilege of working with some incredible people and seeing first-hand how our donors and supporters make a really big difference, helping to improve patient experience and services at South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust.

Charity role: Committee member

I’m Susan and I am a qualified accountant and have worked for the Trust since 2005.

I have worked on EyUp! all through my time with the Trust so have seen it evolve and develop to what it is today.  Being involved with EyUp! is a highlight of my role as I love getting the feedback and stories from teams that have had money awarded, it makes me feel that we are making a difference to people’s lives.

I also have the pleasure of letting the lottery winners know each month and its nice to know that an email can make someone’s day.  Outside of work, I have 3 children which keep me busy and I enjoy running and reading books.

Charity role: Community and event fundraiser

Hello, my name is Lisa. I work for the charity as a community and event fundraiser for EyUp!

I have previously worked in the corporate sector for a multimedia organisation for the last 20 years.

I’m now excited to use my skills to make a difference to the local communities and look at new and innovative ways of fundraising for this amazing charity.

I’m really looking forward to seeing how the money raised makes a difference to people’s lives.

Charity role: Charity communications officer

Hello, my name is Sinead, and I am the communications officer for EyUp! charity.

At EyUp!, I manage our communication platforms, sharing the latest news on our inspiring fundraisers and the impactful projects we support.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is sharing stories that highlight the positive effects of EyUp! funding on individuals within our services and communities.