WAITS Logo

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)

Change the System Conference (Feb 2025)
By WAITS Action February 28, 2025
On Wednesday the 19th February, our Change the System Conference was held in collaboration with Birmingham City University. Thanks to all those who supported and attended the event.
Woman in the sunset
By WAITS Action February 28, 2025
“Before I moved into WAITS refuge, I felt overwhelmed and clueless because no one had explained what a refuge was. I hadn’t heard of it before.” This is the story of Fabulous Francis.
Houses and rooftops
By WAITS Action February 28, 2025
The demand for safe accommodation in Birmingham is rising. Domestic abuse is the cause of 1 in 6 made homeless, leaving women with an impossible choice - homelessness or danger.
Show More
Share by: