Masquerade Ball: Message from the Chair of WAITS Deirdre LaBassiere

WAITS Action • October 31, 2024

source: WAITS Team

published: 31 October 2024

Image Credit : WAITS Charity


In October, we gathered for a truly magical evening at WAITS Masquerade Ball,🎭 where we celebrated 31 years of empowering women to reclaim their lives, especially Black and Global Majority women facing domestic abuse.


The symbolism of wearing masks was a reminder of the many layers we often wear to protect ourselves - yet, WAITS helps women remove those masks, find their true selves, and rise with dignity and strength in every sphere of life.


This celebration held special significance as we honour Black History Month, recognising the power, resilience, and contributions of the women we serve.

'Celebrating 31 Years of Empowering Women'

WAITS Masquerade Ball - 19 Oct 2024

The WAITS Masquerade Ball

WAITS has been at the forefront of creating safe spaces for women to grow, heal, and take control of their futures, and last night was a beautiful reflection of that mission.💜


A heartfelt thank you to our incredible WAITS team, our volunteers, ambassadors, SEEKERS Board, staff, trustees, and all of our supporters who make this work possible. We are stronger together.


Special thanks to John Simmit for his wonderful hosting, which brought joy and energy to the evenings proceedings.

Thank you also to the Lord Mayor Ken Wood and the Lady Mayoress, the High Sheriff of the West Midlands Doug Wright MBE, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, Alethea Fuller, Wade Lyn CBE CD and Janet Maye for being our distinguished guests.


And, of course, everyone of our esteemed guests who joined in celebrating and so kindly donated to helping us to help those that we serve - a hugely sincere thank you. You are all so incredible.❤️


Deirdre LaBassiere

Chair, Women Acting In Today’s Society (WAITS)

multicoloured balloons
By WAITS Action May 9, 2026
International Women’s Day celebrated annually on 8th March, is a global moment to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and gender equality.
joyful women
By WAITS Action May 9, 2026
At WAITS, we believe that meaningful change must be informed by the lived experiences of the women we support. This March marked an important milestone in our ongoing research project.
women comforting eachother
By WAITS Action May 9, 2026
WAITS is proud to be part of the Forever Fund initiative, led by the Women’s Resource Centre, designed to support women’s organisations building long-term financial sustainability and resilience.
Show More