Penny Chamberlain

I picked up reading as a hobby during the pandemic. I’ve read all sorts of feminist literature, and lots of fiction more recently. My favourite book is probably Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez or 1984 by George Orwell.

I’ve been playing the saxophone since I was five years old. I got to Grade 5 with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, before stopping at around age fourteen.

In the spirit of being a teenager I thought it was uncool. But, I started playing again during the pandemic and picked it up pretty quickly.

I finished my first degree in Biomedical Science in 2020. After that I went to work in a COVID testing lab where I worked day and night running PCR on the tests that people sent in.

After that I moved into pharmaceuticals, analysing cannabinoids and terpenes in medical cannabis for rare or complex diseases.

Then I studied a Master of Research degree in Reproductive Science and Women’s Health.

Through studying and working as a researcher in FemTech, I started to realise that women’s health was a social issue as much as a medical or scientific one.

I wanted to help people directly and decided the charity sector was the best route for that.

I’m the Researcher and Data Analyst at London Plus. I identify, collect, and produce data, research, and insights to understand the impact of the voluntary and community sector. I bring the work of London’s charities and community groups to life.

For example, at the minute I’m working on an article about the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which aims to take care of rough sleepers during severe weather. I’m essentially just exploring some of the challenges involved in that.

Research in general is really important for charities. It helps them to tell their stories, connect with others, and gain insights that allow them to be more effective.

Data is also important. It helps charities show their impact, give evidence to funders, and to show beneficiaries what charities can do for them. Someone might be more inclined to use a service if there’s strong evidence that it works.

The Ship and Whale is a pub that I’d definitely recommend. It’s great all year round, has a lovely garden area for the summer, and has board games for customers!