On 22 February 2024, we learned of the death of Jackie Evans, which has sent a shockwave through the community that she helped to build.
Jackie was involved in this project as a volunteer from its very start in 2021, well before Lowering the Bar was created as a CIC. She was a lively and popular teacher, who is very much missed by students and colleagues. She was teaching five classes a week and had attained a TEFL certificate in late 2023.
Jackie's enthusiasm, energy and commitment were valued by the many local community organisations with which she was involved in both paid and unpaid roles, as she had been for the last decade. She provided friendship, advice and support to people in recovery; people in poverty; the LGBTQ+ community; and refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants. Outside scheduled commitments, she gave her time in ad-hoc help and support to the many people whose lives she touched.
Jackie was also a faithful and active member of the local Quaker Meeting, particularly upholding the testimonies of equality, sustainability and community.
Find out more about Lowering the Bar.