To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we’re celebrating Swindon & Wiltshire’s most inspiring women.
Through our website and social media channels, we asked our readers which women in our community inspire them and created a list of 20. The list will be featured in our Spring magazine and every weekday throughout March we are profiling and championing each of these fantastic women online and via our social feeds.
Today we put the spotlight on Lisa Jackson, Counsellor at The Kelly Foundation.
Tell us about you and your work…
I work at the Kelly Foundation, a charity that delivers free counselling, support and therapy to adults in the local community. The Kelly Foundation is a registered charity that was established in 2022. It is based at the Pinetrees Community Centre and it offers one-to-one services including counselling, life coaching and advocacy.
I have been with the Kelly Foundation for around two years. I have worked in helping roles for most of my life, and I have always had a passion to help others when things get tough. I have a history of supporting those who have had financial and debt problems and I still volunteer for Christian’s Against Poverty, which supports those in financial difficulty. I also volunteer as a peer supporter for Care for the Family, supporting others who have children with additional needs.
I grew up in Bicester in Oxfordshire, and I never really knew what I wanted to when I grew up, but I knew I always wanted to help others when they needed it. I had an understanding at a young age of what loss and emotional pain meant, but also an idea of how kindness and being there for others can make a huge difference.
What are you most proud of?
I think I am most proud of myself for never giving up. There were times in my teenage years, particularly, where things were quite bleak and I didn’t know how things would turn out. I feel quite proud of myself that I never gave up and I was able to believe in myself
How does it feel to be recognised as one of Swindon & Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women?
Firstly, I was very surprised, but it was really lovely to know that, hopefully, I had made a difference to somebody.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, this is a day of celebration of women and an opportunity to have their voice heard and share all the amazing things women have done, when historically women have not always had a voice. I also find it quite inspiring to hear about other women who have done such amazing things, and I think it is a fantastic time to celebrate those things.
This year’s IWD theme asks us to think about how giving benefits everyone. What’s an example from your work or community life where supporting another woman led to something meaningful in return?
During my work at the Kelly Foundation as a Counsellor, I have worked with female clients to deal with a range of different situations. With each woman I work with, I benefit in my own personal journey of development and my personal growth.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
I think I would remind her that she is loved, and she is enough just as she is, and for her to keep doing what she is doing because she will make a difference to people. Her kindness will impact people in ways she doesn’t quite understand yet. I would remind her never to give up, even when things are at their toughest.
This feature is sponsored by Goughs Solicitors. The team at Goughs believe in championing ambition, celebrating achievement and creating opportunities for women to connect, lead and thrive.
