I welcome you to our last newsletter of 2020, a year that has been full of surprises! Our team has risen and stayed strong despite the challenges we have faced. We would like to thank our funders who have supported and listened to us on how to respond to COVID-19.
In March we packed up our office base, not knowing what this year would bring, thinking it would only be for a few weeks. But here we are at the end of 2020 and we are still just as uncertain! Looking at the positive side, this year has brought out the best in us and showed us that the things we thought were impossible, turned out to be possible. It also showed us the kindness in people and the community spirit that I felt we had somehow lost.
Here, at Savera UK, we have faced extra challenges because of the pandemic. However, as team, we have been able to overcome these difficulties and ensured that all our clients and their families are receiving the support and advocacy they need. Usually at this time of year, we get excited to celebrate the end of year with our clients, but as this is not possible, the team have looked at other ways to celebrate and it has been welcomed by all of our clients. I want to thank the team, for their determination and always looking for creative ways to engage and deliver wellbeing services and raising awareness about ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices.
Thank you to the Governing Board, the Advisory and Youth Advisory Board, Ambassadors and Patron for championing the organisation and the work we do. A huge thank you to every single person who has worked and supported us in every way. Your efforts, no matter how small, are so appreciated and help us to make Savera UK the best it can be —thank you.
During the festive season, I ask that we all reflect and give your thoughts to all families that have lost their loved ones this year and those who are still at risk of violence and abuse, struggling to ask for help.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday. I hope that 2021 will be a happy and fulfilling year, and that there will be lots of great and positive things to look forward to.
Afrah Qassim
Founder & CEO
