Supporting Women in Crisis: Lily Arkwright’s November Donation to the Marylebone Project
Every month at Lily Arkwright, we’re proud to support a local cause through our Social Champions initiative - a team-led programme that puts charitable giving and community care at the heart of what we do.
For November, our Marylebone showroom team selected the Marylebone Project as the recipient of this month’s £500 donation. Based just a stone’s throw from our flagship London store, the Marylebone Project is a vital service supporting women experiencing homelessness and complex needs. The charity provides not only safe accommodation, but also access to education, employment pathways, emotional support, and life-skills coaching - all designed to help women move forward with dignity, stability, and confidence.
A Safe Haven for Women
The Marylebone Project is the UK’s largest and longest-running women-only service of its kind. It offers around-the-clock care and support to women in crisis - many of whom face a complex intersection of challenges such as domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, substance misuse, and trauma.
What makes the Project so special is its commitment to long-term recovery. Rather than offering just short-term relief, it works holistically with each woman to understand her personal circumstances and help her build a future. This includes safe, stable housing, a dedicated case worker, and access to services that promote financial independence and emotional resilience.
Their Women into Work initiative, for instance, offers accredited training courses, CV writing sessions, interview coaching, and volunteering opportunities - all within a trauma-informed environment. Their drop-in Day Centre, meanwhile, provides a safe space for those not yet in accommodation, offering hot food, clothing, showers, wellbeing sessions, and one-to-one advice.
Why This Donation Mattered to Our Team
The Marylebone team first came across the charity while preparing for the area’s Christmas lights switch-on - a festive event that brings together the local community and businesses each year. In learning more about organisations operating in the local area, the team were particularly moved by the work of the Marylebone Project and the real, human stories behind it.
“This is a cause that resonated deeply with all of us. As a women-led team working just around the corner, we felt a strong connection to the Project’s mission. It’s a reminder that hardship can affect anyone, and that with the right support system in place, recovery and renewal are always possible. We’re honoured to be able to support their incredible work.”
Hannah Deason-Barrow, London Sales Director.
After receiving news of the donation, Amy, a member of the Marylebone Project team, shared this kind response:
"A HUGE thank you for your generous donation. Thank you for choosing the Marylebone Project and investing in your local community here in Marylebone. This time of year can often be such a challenge for the women we work with, and donations like this help us continue to provide much needed support to each and every one of them.”
The decision to support the Marylebone Project felt especially important as winter begins - a season that poses heightened risks for those without safe accommodation. With heating costs rising and many women facing isolation or hardship over the festive period, the team were keen to provide financial support that could help ease the burden.
Giving Back to the Community We’re Now Proud to Call Home
Although Lily Arkwright began life in Manchester, our London showroom in Marylebone has quickly become a cherished part of the business. Since opening the doors earlier this year, we’ve been welcomed with warmth by the local community - from our neighbouring shops to our first London-based customers.
That’s why this month’s donation carried extra meaning. It’s about more than giving; it’s about becoming an active part of the area we now call home. Through our Social Champions programme, we aim to not only support vital causes, but also reflect the values of kindness, awareness, and social responsibility that guide our brand.
The Social Champions Initiative
The Social Champions initiative was launched to empower our team to make a difference, not just through jewellery, but through meaningful impact. Each month, a different Lily Arkwright team nominates a cause close to their heart. Whether it’s a local environmental effort, community food bank, or national mental health service, we believe in supporting charities doing vital work - particularly those that often go underfunded or overlooked.
Donations are made on behalf of the whole team, but the choices come directly from those working on the ground. This ensures our giving reflects the passions and priorities of our staff - whether they’re in London, Manchester, or working behind the scenes across our online and fulfilment departments.