“We live in a very commercial world, where everything has a price. It is wonderful to work with an organisation who doesn’t attach importance to the cost of something, but to the value of it.” – Gill Rivers, long term supporter of The Passage
This Women’s History Month, The Passage is proud to launch something new: our first Women’s Philanthropy Group (WPG).
It builds on more than 160 years of women shaping our work – from the religious sisters who first supported people experiencing poverty at Carlisle Place, to women like Gill Rivers – founder and current Chairwoman of this new group.
Gill’s journey reflects courage, persistence and a belief that everyone deserves dignity and support when life becomes difficult.
The moment that changed everything
Gill’s turning point came at a dinner party, after her youngest child started school and someone asked what she planned to do “with the rest of her life”.
Feeling dismissed as “just a housewife”, she made a bold decision: she would become a lawyer.
While raising her children, Gill studied law and went on to become a family law solicitor, building more than 30 years of experience supporting people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Her work focuses on helping individuals to rebuild stability and dignity – values that closely mirror the mission of The Passage.
Standing with people on the margins
Gill’s instinct to support people facing hardship began much earlier.
As a teenager, she would stop to talk with “Frank” – an older man in her town who was experiencing homelessness – and would regularly chat to him and bring him soft food he could eat without teeth.
She also invited herself onto geriatric wards and spent time sitting with the elderly patients, some of whom had lost both their homes and family connections.
These moments shaped a lifelong belief: no one should be invisible.
Bringing social responsibility into the workplace
Later, while working in a large international law firm, Gill pushed for greater social responsibility.
She persuaded the Management Board to establish a charitable foundation and chose The Passage as one of its originating partners.
That connection grew over time – including bringing senior, and junior colleagues to take part in a ‘kitchen takeover’ at The Passage, encouraging them to step outside their professional world and see the realities of homelessness first-hand.
Taking a brave step: Night Under the Stars
In 2019, Gill’s commitment deepened further when she stepped forward to chair our annual fundraising concert – Night Under the Stars – at a time when its future was uncertain. It was a bold decision.
Working closely with the musical director, Gill helped shape a programme designed to move and inspire audiences.
The result was extraordinary. The concert raised around £125,000 for The Passage’s services – with many audience members moved to tears and the hall rising in a standing ovation.
For Gill, it was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her life.
A new chapter: the Women’s Philanthropy Group
Today, Gill continues to support The Passage as Chair of our new Women’s Philanthropy Group, established in August 2025
The initial goal, was to bring together a network of women who agreed to help raise awareness and funds to support The Passage in furthering its mission. A year on, we are pleased to report our success in founding and developing the group.
Our aim remains to:
- Bring together likeminded women who are passionate about using their networks to further The Passage’s charitable purposes.
- Act as a critical friend in order to review and improve The Passage’s philanthropy programme.
- Introduce The Passage to new supporters and philanthropists, who may be interested in supporting our work.
This group marks a new chapter in a long tradition of women shaping The Passage and we would love to hear from you if you are interested to know more about the group🤍
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