Meet Ayshea Cross, our new National Projects Officer
Claire Walford
As Ayshea settles into her role at The Clewer Initiative, we share more about her skills, passion and expertise.
Ayshea is a passionate community leader and project coordinator with extensive experience building networks, engaging volunteers, and running day-to-day operations in the faith and charitable sector.
Before joining The Clewer Initiative, Ayshea was the Strategic Lead Officer at Transforming Plymouth Together (TPT), a joint project with the Diocese of Exeter and the Church Urban Fund, equipping and enabling churches and faith communities to address poverty and inequality across Plymouth. At TPT, Ayshea led community initiatives and volunteer-led responses and built a strong partnership between churches, faith organisations, local authorities and community businesses.
During COVID, she was appointed the Plymouth Food Aid Coordinator and oversaw the citywide response, coordinating the distribution efforts that helped thousands of households. She liaised with 100s of charities, community groups, retailers and local businesses to streamline operations, while supporting volunteers both on the ground and remotely. This led to co-launching the Aid Redistribution Centre (ARC), providing food, clothing and essential aid to households across the South West.
Prior to this, she helped launch Provide Devon, a Christian charity providing food and other essentials to people at crisis point. Ayshea managed its operations, volunteer networks, and funding streams, as well as chairing multi-agency meetings to drive collaboration and resolve challenges.
Her passion for social justice
Ayshea discovered The Clewer Initiative a couple of years ago when she helped to organise a St Bakhita’s Day modern slavery awareness event in Plymouth. She is excited about the opportunity to strengthen and support the existing Clewer network of volunteers and anti-slavery ambassadors as well as raise awareness amongst the wider church and faith communities.
She explains: “I am passionate about bringing people together to tackle social justice issues. I don’t believe an issue like modern slavery can be solved by one organisation – it is much more effective to bring together churches, community leaders, local authorities, charities, frontline professionals and people with lived-experience to create a joined-up response. This is what I did through my work at Transforming Plymouth Together and I hope to bring these skills to the new role.
“We know that modern slavery is in every community, so churches are ideally placed to take action. Whether this is showing compassion, signposting, offering training and resources, or partnering with existing anti-slavery organisations, every church can play a part.
“For ten years I was a church administrator so I know the many competing priorities churches have and how stretched church leaders can feel! Despite this, I truly believe that as Christians we are called to show God’s unconditional love to others and that our churches are well placed to be centres for good.”
“I am extremely people-focussed and look forward to getting to know the volunteers across the Clewer network as well as others within the sector. I will be supporting Lois on national projects including the re-launch of the Safe Car Wash App and helping with the overall, day-to-day running of The Clewer Initiative.”
When she’s not working
Ayshea lives in Devon and enjoys getting outdoors, whether that's walking the dog, a spot of gardening or enjoying a picnic with her family. She loves all things craft and spending time with her adult children, one of whom now lives in Scotland. Ayshea works full-time for The Clewer Initiative and has hit the ground running!
Director Lois Bosatta adds: “During her interview, we were impressed by Ayshea’s devotion to social justice and the way she has used her skills and passion to build strong partnerships across Devon. We are excited about how this experience can be harnessed as she gets to know the Clewer network. Do email her and share what you are getting up to and how The Clewer Initiative can support you further.”
