WAY's 2023 AGM

September 2023

More than 100 WAY members headed to Bristol on 23 September to take part in the charity’s AGM and Annual Gathering at the stunning Marriott Royal Hotel next to Bristol’s cathedral. 

More than a dozen members also joined the AGM online to take part in the business section of the day.


As well as hearing updates from WAY’s Chief Executive Stephanie Patrick, Chair Jo Sedley-Burke and Founder Patron Caroline Sarll, WAY members also got to hear from widower Raj Singh Rainu, who shared his journey as a widowed dad from the Sikh community, and from life coach Amy Guerrier, who shared her tips about navigating life more playfully as well as demonstrating some impressive hula hooping skills!

Alongside the more serious stuff, WAY members also got to enjoy some brilliant breakout sessions including cider tasting, salsa dancing, mindful water colour painting and seated pilates, as well as Ecuadorian chocolate tasting.


The weekend activities also included bingo sessions, all you can eat buffets and a fabulous dinner dance on the Saturday evening to round off the festivities.

One of our members, Hayley, summed it all up beautifully: 

“I had such a lovely weekend. If someone had told me a month ago I’d be up dancing and singing, I would have thought they were crazy."

"This weekend I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve danced, ate and drunk way too much but loved it all. This was my first weekend away without my husband. I think I felt safe enough to enjoy it as I was around lovely people that just get it. Looking forward to meeting up with people again hopefully soon.”

Check out some more photos from the weekend:

  • CEO Stephanie Patrick introduces WAY's 2023 AGM

    CEO Stephanie Patrick introduces WAY's 2023 AGM

  • Ice breaker challenge for WAY members - build the tallest tower

    Ice breaker challenge for WAY members - build the tallest tower

  • Trustee Kate announces the launch of WAY's new Members Hub

    Trustee Kate announces the launch of WAY's new Members Hub

  • Breakout session - Mindful Watercolour painting

    Breakout session - Mindful Watercolour painting

  • Breakout session - Salsa Dancing

    Breakout session - Salsa Dancing

  • WAY Trustees

    WAY Trustees

  • Trustee Jo presents WAY Ambassador Emma C with Helen Bailey Award

    Trustee Jo presents WAY Ambassador Emma C with Helen Bailey Award

  • AGM Breakout sessions - Chocolate Tasting and Cider Tasting

    AGM Breakout sessions - Chocolate Tasting and Cider Tasting

  • WAY Members enjoy the photobooth at the Dinner and Dance

    WAY Members enjoy the photobooth at the Dinner and Dance

  • Volunteer Manager Veronica delivers training on inclusion and diversity

    Volunteer Manager Veronica delivers training on inclusion and diversity

  • Winners of our Ice Breaker Challenge

    Winners of our Ice Breaker Challenge

  • WAY members at our 2023 AGM

    WAY members at our 2023 AGM

  • Sightseeing in Bristol

    Sightseeing in Bristol

  • Some of the WAY team enjoying the photobooth

    Some of the WAY team enjoying the photobooth