New women's 'self-empowerment coach' for Plymouth

Will help address violence against women

The appointment of a women’s self-empowerment coach to help Plymouth’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Commission has been welcomed by teams working to tackle the issue.

Meghan Field, who has supported victims and delivered community responses to violence against women and girls for 25 years, is the city’s new strategic lead to drive forward VAWG initiatives. 

The multi-agency commission was set up by Plymouth City Council last year following the murder of local teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod. It aims to create safe spaces and ensure women feel supported when they report abuse. 

Ms Field previously managed an independent domestic violence advisor service in West London and was the VAWG strategic lead for central London. 

She said: “Plymouth is trailblazing in its work so far. I have been impressed with the work of the commission to strive to do more. 

“What is really clear is that to eliminate male violence against women and girls, one individual cannot do it alone. It is down to all of us. Working together to achieve one clear goal.

“I hope to be able to pull all the good work that is already being delivered in Plymouth together and help identify the gaps moving forward.”

Chair of the VAWG commission for Plymouth and Conservative councillor for Plymstock Radford, Rebecca Smith, welcomed the appointment.

“We are thrilled that Meghan has been able to join us,” she said. “This is such an important role and getting the right person for the job was vital. 

“Meghan’s vast experience in this field is second-to-none. She not only brings her personal dedication, but thanks to her impressive CV, she will also be able to share best practice. I look forward to working with her in the months ahead to really drive the commission recommendations forward.”

Labour’s VAWG spokesperson and councillor for Honicknowle, Zoe Reilly, added: “I met with Meghan Field this week and I am looking forward to seeing what she brings to this very important work.  

“Her appointment is long overdue and the work set out by the commission is taking far too long. 

“Meghan has a wealth of experience and knowledge in tackling violence against women and girls, she will need this to build momentum as quickly as possible. 

“I wish her well in her role and Plymouth Labour will always support work which means women and girls get to feel safe when living their lives in our city.”

Part of Ms Fields role is to develop a city wide action plan to address male violence and improve the local response to VAWG.