About Us
RACHAEL DUBLIN
JustBe Team Member
Rachael has been on board with JustBe from the very beginning and is a loyal and committed member of our team, bringing her very special brand of humour, extensive experience and skillset. She enthusiastically supports our vision of the future.
VOLUNTEERS
Helping Hands
Our wonderful team of young helpers, lend their hands to our many events and workshops. They always bring with them their youthful exuberance and are a joy to have around! Would you like to volunteer to help JustBe?
VALECIA LAMOND
JustBe Member
Valecia takes advantage of her membership with great discounts on Workshops and Theatre tickets, or just being part of a community of likeminded women. “Take every opportunity to enjoy life to the full – Thank you JustBe for providing that for me!”
JustBe had humble beginnings – starting with an idea to bring a small group of women together to ‘Gather & Grow’, however it quickly blossomed into a full programme of activities. We now have flagship events such as the annual Black History Month Ball, which has over 200 guests and the annual holiday abroad with at least 40 women travelling together for much needed rest and rejuvenation. We have also evolved over time, realising that in order to ‘just be, the people in women’s lives also need to have their needs met. This resulted in the birth of the “Not Forgetting Moments” for Seniors, my passion project providing trips, days out and amazing experiences for those 65 years and older.
EMPOWERMENT
As the Founder and CEO of JustBe, I want to empower women to be bold, courageous and to break new ground which is why I created this space for women, to enable them to be their best selves.
PASSION
My passion is supporting women of all ages, cultures, faiths and backgrounds to live their best lives by bringing them together through events and activities. JustBe challenges women to embrace their destiny, love themselves more and to realise their God-given potential. I work tirelessly to ensure JustBe continues to support vulnerable, isolated and lonely women, enabling them to reach out and connect with other like-minded women.
ACHIEVEMENTS
We have had some amazing achievements but do not just take my word for it! In the short time we have been running, my efforts have been recognised by Bromley Council, winning the BME Active Citizens Award for an outstanding BME Community Group in 2014 and I was also honoured with a Wise Woman Award in 2015. JustBe projects have attracted funding from The National Lottery, Skipton Building Society and Bromley Grassroots Funding. But most importantly it’s the recognition from individuals whose lives are touched by what we do that means the most to me.
VISION
I would not have been able to achieve as much as I have without the loyal friends, prayerful mothers and supporters who were there before JustBe’s inception. My vision is to reach thousands of women across the world, irrespective of age, race, religion or culture; start a JB community in each of the boroughs in London or the UK creating a space where women are ‘Free to JustBe’; to have regular activities for our senior citizens and more. This vision is going to become a reality – come and join me?
#Spiritual
If you are a woman that is feeling spiritually depleted or wants to continue to grow spiritually…
JustBe is for you.
#Positive
If you are a woman who loves to watch great movies and chill and socialise with positive minded women…
JustBe is for you.
#Fun
If you love going to the theatre, at discounted prices and great seats with a wonderful group of women…
JustBe is for you.
#Confidence
If you are a woman who wants to join others to give your self-esteem and confidence a boost…
JustBe is for you.
#Health
If you love taking wonderful health and relaxation retreats away from the hustle and bustle of life…
JustBe is for you.
#Skills
If you want to learn a new practical skill such as how to change a flat tyre or locate the dipstick on your car…
JustBe is for you.
#Faith
If you want to develop your faith as a Christian, or are considering becoming a Christian…
JustBe is for you.
#Love
If you want a place to simply JustBe, knowing you will be accepted & loved for just you… JustBe is undoubtedly for you, whoever you are.
MEET A MEMBER
Rosemarie Lindo
Just-be Member
I have been aware of Yvette’s JustBe vision from its inception 10 years ago. I have attended Just-be events but hadn’t become a member until now……why? Life got in the way.
2. What do you do for a living?
I am a semi-retired civil servant. Worked for the Department for International Development (DFID) for 35 years. Took voluntary early severance in 2012.
3. Any hobbies or interests?
Travelling, gardening, socialising with family and friends and cooking
4. Which JustBe event has been your favourite so far?
The BHM events. They are fabulous and good value for money, growing year by year.
5. What would you like to see on the JustBe calendar in the future?
Very excited about the new M4S events. I believe this is a fantastic idea to help our seniors live a more rewarding life, particularly those living alone.
6. 3 words to describe JustBe?
Inspirational, necessary and timeless
7. Has JustBe impacted your life, if so how?
Very very impressed with Yvette’s vision, continued inspiration and enthusiasm which has compelled me to become a member to support her excellent endeavours, and continue as a volunteer.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with my two beautiful granddaughters
9. Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I sailed down Lake Titicaca which straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains. Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable body of water standing nearly 12,500 feet above sea level. I was fortunate enough to do this over a weekend on one of my many project monitoring visits.
10. Who has influenced you the most in your life?
My amazing mother and all that she has achieved with the relatively little she had.
11. What do (did) you do for a living, and why is it needed?
I was a Programme Manager with the Department for International Development for over 35 years. Managing development projects in countries e.g. West and North Africa, Latin America, and the British Overseas Territories.
Vanessa Martins
Just-be Member
A friend of mine introduced me to JustBe and I can honestly say that I have not looked back.
My induction into JustBe started when I attended the informative zoom sessions that were organised during the onset of Covid. During these enlightening sessions, I developed a bond with various attendees and felt inspired by JustBe’s objectives and then I decided to become a member in November 2020.
Since becoming a member, I have attended various events including the Manchester trip, virtual baking, cheese and wine meetup, JustBe book club and film club.
The Manchester trip gave me the opportunity to meet the other beautiful members who I found to be inspiring, inspirational, warm and welcoming. The organisation of the trip and the camaraderie of the participants made for an exceptional break, even to the finer details of preparing memorabilia and gifts for each participant.
I have also signed up to a few upcoming events and meetups and I can honestly say that Justbe has had a positive impact on my life and on my mental wellbeing.
I thank Yvette, the inspiring leader and her team for their dedication, devotion and all of their hard work that they put into making JustBethe success that it is today and I am looking forward to continuing my journey with JustBe.
If you are hesitating on becoming a member of JustBe and getting involved in this engaging, inclusive and collaborative organisation, then I can assure you that you will not have any regrets.
Peace, love and harmony.
Vanessa Martins xx
Over 200 People Attended our last Black History Month Ball!
Our flagship event is getting bigger and better every year! Make sure you get your tickets for this year’s event on 5th October 2019, it’s going to be one amazing celebration that you do not want to miss!
Videos From Past Events
Black History Month Celebration Dinner & Dance
WATCH MORE VIDEOS IN THE GALLERY
Funding Awards
BME ACTIVE CITIZENS AWARD
Outstanding BME Community Group 2014
WISE WOMAN AWARD 2015
Yvette McDonald
FUNDING AWARDS
The National Lottery, Skipton BS Grassroots
In 2019 JustBe was awarded a community fund of £10,000 from Awards For All towards our Moments For Seniors project. This was a huge sucess with more than 400 seniors benefitting from seven events. We started with a Fashion Show in June 2019 with 210 seniors in attendance and all our models were between the ages of 65 and 89 years old. The next event was a Caribbean Afternoon Tea with 52 seniors reminiscing and dancing to music from their yesteryears which included traditional folk music and dance.
Other events included a Trip to the Seaside for 60 seniors, two Health and Fitness Workshops where our seniors were given exercises to suit all fitness and mobility levels and were also provided with simple recipes and food which were healthy and nutritious. Caribbean Storytelling, which involved learning about the history of Caribbean food, was also enjoyed. The project concluded in December with a Christmas Party where all the seniors were entertained by a gospel choir. They kept company, laughed, sang and danced to their favourite Christmas songs and carols with everyone leaving with a Christmas gift to remind them of the occasion. Feedback from our elderly guests whose ages ranged from 55 to 90 included "This is the best party I have ever been to" and "I can't wait for the next event."
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to find out how JustBe can become a part of your life, with fabulous events and wonderful workshops, there’s something for everyone!