Tag: FGM

February 6, 2026

Why is FGM Awareness Essential for Safeguarding Professionals?

As part of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) day, held Friday 6th February, we interviewed Dr Susan Waigwa, Savera UK trustee and board member, about her concerns regarding professionals’ awareness of FGM.

Dr Waigwa is a qualified public health and social work professional with extensive expertise in both practice and research. Her research mainly focuses on subjects related to women’s health, such as menopause, childbirth-related trauma, domestic abuse, and harmful practices, including forced marriage and FGM/cutting. Susan has abundant skills and experience working with marginalised and minoritised communities both in the UK and abroad.

Why are you a trustee for Savera UK?

Having worked for years addressing ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices both in research and practice. I formed a good impression of Savera UK from the first time I heard about their work. Their ambitions, as outlined in their mission and vision, align closely with my own to end HBA and harmful practices. That is what motivated me to join as a trustee.

What is the importance of a campaign to raise awareness of FGM for professionals in the UK?

It is important to raise awareness of FGM for professionals in the UK because FGM is a harmful practice that has manifested in different forms over the decades. Historical and current data show that it affects many ethnic groups across the world, making it a global public health concern.

It is a violation of human rights and has long-lasting, detrimental impacts on those subjected to the harmful practice. Its indirect impact extends beyond victims and survivors, affecting their families, support networks and wider communities.

UK professionals therefore require ongoing and structured engagement in FGM awareness training to keep up to date with prevalence, modes of practice, developments in safeguarding, care pathways and prevention strategies.

Without continuous professional engagement, there’s a risk of outdated knowledge and weakened safeguarding responses, which may lead to missed opportunities to prevent FGM and protect those at risk.

Why do professionals stay silent even when they suspect risk, and how does that impact survivors?

FGM continues to be avoided or approached with uncertainty by many professionals, and many still feel uncomfortable initiating and engaging with conversations about the subject.

Some professionals fear that the severity of the practice may affect their own well-being, while others worry that intervening may be seen as interfering and judging an individual’s ‘culture’. Many others also feel that they lack the required information, skills or resources to offer the right help.

This silence significantly limits survivors’ access to effective support. UK professionals must strengthen their confidence by utilising the available resources offered by specialist services like Savera UK.

As the saying goes, “fear is a reaction, courage is decision”.

Thank you to Dr Susan Waigwa, for her powerful insights and encouragement to professionals to engage with the resources and training available to strengthen safeguarding against FGM.

Resource and training options:

Please visit the Savera UK Learning Hub to learn more about ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, like FGM.
If you’re a frontline professional and are interested in training, click here to find out our training options.

#EndFGM #ZeroToleranceForFGM #InvestToEndFGM #ItHappensHere

January 27, 2026

REVIEW OF PAPER: “Harmful” narrative in paper risks normalising FGM

An extended academic essay, published in the Journal of Medical Ethics (part of the BMJ Group) in September 2025, presents a narrative that Savera UK believes risks normalising female genital mutilation (FGM).

The paper Harms of the current global anti-FGM campaign (Ahmadu FSN, Bader D, Boddy J, et al, 2025) claims in its abstract to “critically examine the harms produced by the anti-FGM discourse and policies, despite their grounding in human rights and health advocacy.”

While the authors analyse potential unintended consequences of anti-FGM campaigns, Savera UK is concerned that certain arguments could be interpreted in ways that minimise or distort survivors’ experiences and undermine the work of organisations supporting them. Key concerns include:

The minimisation and questioning of trauma

The paper challenges the association between FGM and trauma, invalidating not only survivors’ traumatic experiences, but also the trauma-informed advocacy and support offered by organisations to FGM survivors.

Normalisation via equating practices

A central argument in the paper is the “troubling double standard” that condemns FGM while legitimising other genital surgeries in Western contexts, such as labiaplasty and intersex surgeries. This is extremely harmful as drawing parallels between ritual cutting and voluntary cosmetic surgeries in the West (labiaplasty) or medically-driven intersex surgeries, may minimise the non-consensual, coercive, and life-altering nature of many FGM cases.

Silencing survivor advocacy as an “external” narrative

The paper also argues that the anti-FGM campaign is driven by a “heavily racialised and ethnocentric framework” and promotes a “standard tale”, which is amplified by media reliant on “activist organisations”.

This is harmful because many survivors and activists from practicing communities are themselves the driving force behind the anti-FGM movement. By framing the abolitionist narrative as externally imposed and Eurocentric, the paper risks implying that survivors who speak out and identify as “victims” are merely adhering to an external, self-serving narrative, rather than voicing their genuine experiences of harm and seeking justice.

The paper also portrays anti-FGM organisations as contributing to “sensationalism” and “myth peddling” to secure resources, as they must adhere to the dominant discourse to gain funding. Not only does this undermine the ethical integrity and factual basis of the work of organisations like Savera UK and others in our sector, it suggests that they are more concerned with constructing/defending a “particular ideological stance” rather than prioritising community well-being.

Focusing on campaign harms over physical harms

The authors state their “primary concern” is the “harms that may be caused by the lack of accuracy, objectivity, fairness and balance in public representations of these diverse practices.” While they acknowledge physical harms, the focus shifts heavily to the harms caused by surveillance, policing, loss of trust, and negative health outcomes resulting from the campaign itself.

Prioritising campaign harms over the physical and psychological harms of the practice itself can diminish the suffering and impacts of those who were subjected to FGM. For survivors seeking medical and psychological care, framing the negative health outcomes as stemming from the anti-FGM discourse – such as loss of trust in healthcare leading to disengagement – rather than the procedure itself, can feel like deflecting responsibility away from the practice and onto the global efforts to stop it.

Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, said: “While research and analysis of approaches taken to end FGM and other harmful practices is vital, it must be undertaken with the physical safety and wellbeing and survivors and those at risk at its core. This paper undermines the work being done globally to end these practices.

“It is important that anti-FGM campaigners continue their work to ensure that we move closer to ending this human rights violation, and provide survivors with the help they need to overcome its devastating impacts.”

Review by Ayesha Alam, Training and Development Manager at Savera UK.

To find out more about FGM, visit the Savera UK Learning Hub.

January 30, 2023

International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2023

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is just one week away, taking place annually on 6th February.

FGM is the removal or injury of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is estimated that 200 million women and girls have been subjected to this practice globally.*

First launched in 2003, the day is an United Nations-sponsored awareness day that takes place as part of the UN’s efforts to eradicate FGM.

FGM is just one harmful practice that Savera UK works to end, here in the UK and around the world.

If you would like to learn more about FGM and how you can help to stop it, join Savera UK in supporting the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

Please read, watch and share the resources below and tag @SaveraUK and use #EndFGM if you are sharing on socials.

READ: FGM Factsheet – information on female genital mutilation

READ: Harmful Practices Factsheet – wider information on harmful practices

WATCH: One Chance Rule Video – if someone makes a disclosure that they are at risk of FGM or other harmful practices, or you believe they are at risk, there may only be one chance to help them. This video explains what you need to do

WATCH: Savera UK Youth “Orange Brick Road” Video – An overview of harmful practices, including FGM, for young people. This video was created by Savera UK Youth. Educational resources for schools and youth groups are available to facilitate discussion around the topics

WATCH: Savera UK FGM Support: How We Can Help Video – Information on what support Savera UK can provide to those at risk of, or survivors of, FGM

*Source: UNICEF, https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation

January 18, 2023

Student Spotlight: Ella, Social Work Student

At the beginning of October 2022, Savera UK welcomed Ella, a Social Work Student at Edge Hill, to join the direct intervention team.

Ella was invited to learn how the team operates and about the work they do safeguarding and advocating on behalf of those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices like forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

As Ella’s time at Savera UK draws to a close, we spoke with her to find out how she got on.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My hobbies outside of study/ work includes spending time where I can visiting my family and friends at home. I have friends enrolled in local universities, so as I am currently residing in Liverpool, it gives me chance to see and spend time with my friends. We often watch football or rugby matches, and sometimes friends from home come to visit too.

I have always been involved in a sporty environment. From the age of six, I have represented and competed for my athletics team at home, up until finishing college. I represented my town and borough in local and national competitions. I enjoyed having a physical hobby outside of school/ college studies, as it brought me a difference of environments and activity. I stopped competing due to studies, but still enjoy watching athletics in my spare time.

How did you first hear about Savera UK?

I received my email via my university informing me of what organisation I would be placed at for my 70 day placement. I searched the name up and was both nervous and excited for what I found. I read through the reports and fact sheets and did some revision around this, as HBA is such a niche area. But this is what excited me the most! I knew the experience I would have here would be so unique and informative, and I can definitely say that it has been!

What has your day-to-day role been like?

My day-to-day role has been contacting clients and liaising with professionals to make sure clients are safe. I have been assigned cases which has meant me speaking to clients to understand their past and current situation, and learning how they would like to move forward and how I can then signpost and direct them to receive support in different aspects. I have also had the opportunities to attend and shadow meetings.

Of all your tasks, which has been your favourite?

I have enjoyed everything I have completed at Savera UK, but my favourite had to be the run up to the Christmas break with the festive party and [handing out to clients] Radio City Cash gifts. I really enjoyed being able to interact with clients and meet some of the people I have support was really nice. Putting a face to their stories was really inspiring for me.

What were some of the more challenging aspects of the role?

With being a student and this being my first placement, I have never been in an environment like this before. Every time I was asked to complete a task or attend a meeting, it was quite daunting to me, however my time at Savera UK has taught me so much and I can see how much I have grown in a professional setting, but also personally. Working alongside individuals who have experienced so much was difficult at times, but I knew that in order to support them I needed to provide the best standard of work I could. I never felt out of my depth or uncomfortable completing something because of the support I received, but knew that if I ever did feel this way, I could always speak to someone.

What can be done to help with those difficulties?

Nothing! The support that I receive was amazing. I never felt left in the dark or on my own, and was always encouraged to ask questions. Being on placement is for the experience of learning on the job, and saying no to any of the tasks or meetings I was asked to attend would defeat the point, so I made sure to accept and embrace every opportunity given to me.

What has been aspect of the role that has surprised you the most?

I think just generally how much I have enjoyed the whole experience. Since starting my course, I have always dreaded placement, going into an environment I am not familiar with or may not have the correct knowledge to support clients. I have learned so much. HBA being something that isn’t spoken about or widely seen in the media, and observing the level of work that the service has been able to provide to clients is so eye opening and surprising to see, but also so inspiring and I feel lucky to have been able to help where I can too!

Did your placement at Savera UK live up to the expectations you had before starting?

Absolutely! I was so nervous about starting placement and being in an unfamiliar, busy environment. When I first received my confirmation email that this would be where I would be for my first placement, the nerves kicked in, as HBA and harmful practices are unfortunately a taboo subject and something I was not too knowledgeable in, so I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to provide adequate support.

What will be your main takeaway following your placement with us?

The main thing I am taking away from this placement is the knowledge I have gained and I can use further in my career. I would love to be involved in this type of support work one day, as I can see the passion from the other staff members to provide the best quality of support for their clients, which was passed onto me.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for charities supporting those at risk of harmful practices?

I think the most challenging aspect for the team here at Savera UK is the lack of knowledge from other professionals who they work alongside, but each member of staff is able to challenge professionals’ views and emphasise the importance of recognising HBA and harmful practices, so each referral made to other organisations can be picked up on and risks identified.

How can this be overcome?

By continuing to do the inspiring work and advocating for victims of HBA and harmful practices, as this is a subject that needs to be brought forward and not hidden away. I think when it comes to culture and ethnicity, people often shy away from this, but this is when cases can be missed and therefore further put clients at risk of harm. Being able to explore the significance of cultures and different aspects of this with clients allows us to mould support to their needs.

What are your plans for the future?

I still have another year at university, with another placement to complete. I am currently unsure what type of placement that I would like to be placed in during my final year, but I am looking forward to it, based from the experience I have had here.

What did you enjoy the most about your time at Savera UK?

My time here at Savera UK has been unbelievable, I have enjoyed every day here and I am really going to miss working alongside the team. They have been so supportive of me and I cannot thank them enough. They all have been such inspirations and role models for me, and set the standard very high for the level of support and work I want to go on to deliver to others. I really look up to everyone. Being able to build those professional relationships and see the personal progression within clients and seeing them lead happy and empowered lives has been the best part.

Thanks Ella, we’re so grateful for all your hard work and efforts over the last few months, and we will miss having you as part of the team! We wish you all the best in your future.

January 11, 2023

Savera UK CEO shortlisted for Northern Power Women Awards 2023

Savera UK’s CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, has been shortlisted in the Northern Power Women Awards 2023.

Afrah has been shortlisted in the ‘Person with Purpose’ category, sponsored by Stella. ‘Person with Purpose’ celebrates those who are driven by their personal motivation to volunteer or support a social change, charity, not for profit or community.

Afrah founded Savera UK, then Savera Liverpool, in 2010, and worked voluntarily for the charity for 10 years, while also working a full-time role in the NHS while as well as being a member of the board for the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, a charity delivering arts and community programmes while bringing diverse cultures together, for which she later became the Chair.

Since its inception, Savera UK has grown to deliver safeguarding and advocacy for those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, like forced marriage, female genital mutilation and virginity testing. Savera UK also campaigns against these practices through awareness-raising and education, tackling the causes of harmful practices.

Afrah said: “I am incredibly grateful to have been shortlisted in the Person with Purpose category alongside so many inspiring change makers. Thank you to the people who put me forward for this award and our supporters and funders, without whom we wouldn’t be where we are today. I would also like to thank the Savera UK Board, Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Board for their support and commitment.

“This work would not be possible without the commitment of the Savera UK team, who share my vision for a world without ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

The 89 finalists in the seventh Northern Power Women Awards were selected from 1,500 nominations from across all sectors and regions across the Northern Powerhouse.

The Northern Power Women Future List and Power List will be announced on 7 February 2023 and the awards will take place on Monday 20th March 2023, at Manchester Central Convention Complex.

October 21, 2022

Savera UK study reveals core elements of ‘honour’-based abuse in the UK

Emotional/psychological abuse and coercive control has been identified as the most common characteristic of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, in new research conducted by the University of Liverpool and Savera UK.

The research ‘Honour’-based abuse: A descriptive study of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics^[1], published last month in the Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, examines survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics in anonymised cases of HBA and harmful practices such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), provided by Savera UK.

Much information on HBA currently available is based on self-reporting and exploration of individuals’ lived experience, meaning baseline data to help better understand the issues is limited. The study was instigated by Savera UK to fill this gap, working in partnership with the University of Liverpool and using the charity’s own data to identify base rates of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics.

Of 66 abuse characteristics identified by researchers, the study highlighted that a case of HBA would usually present with around 14 of these characteristics.

Emotional/psychological abuse and coercive control, specific family cultural traditions, gender-based socialisation and physical violence were found to be present in 90% of coded cases, suggesting these to be core elements of HBA in the UK.

Abuse characteristics associated with survivors that are usually highly linked to cases of HBA, such as exploration of identity or sexuality, were present less frequently than expected. For example, premarital sex, which features highly in literature about HBA based on self-reported data and survivor stories, was only present in 20 cases.

This study was able to explore broader and subtler forms of abuse, as the data reflected not only survivor experiences, but also the professional judgement of Savera UK support staff specialising in this field.

It also highlighted overlaps between HBA and domestic abuse, as well as clear separating markers, such as the presence of multiple perpetrators, specific family cultural traditions and community influencing the perpetrator(s).

In its examination of survivor characteristics, the study found that almost half (41.4%) held UK citizenship, 27.8% asylum seekers and 18.1% had limited or indefinite leave to remain. The majority were Muslim (74.8%) but Christianity was the second most prevalent religion among survivors with (14.2%).

Almost two thirds of cases had multiple perpetrators (63.1%) and all involved male perpetrators, with additional female perpetrators in 36.4% of cases. However, no cases involved a sole female perpetrators.

Speaking of Savera UK’s first-ever research paper, Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of the charity, said: “The lack of data around HBA and harmful practices has always been a challenge for organisations like Savera UK that support survivors and those at risk.

“When we established the charity in 2010 many local authorities told us there was no need for our service because there was no data indicating that HBA was an issue. Since then we have worked to uncover these hidden practices and demand for our service has increased by more than 1,000 per cent between 2016 and 2022.”

“This baseline data is vitally important and a starting point to allow better understanding of the prevalence of different abuse characteristics and improved insight into HBA in the UK. This information will help frontline workers like police officers and social workers to more easily identify and support survivors and those at risk, develop specialist HBA risk assessment tools, improve prevention strategies and inform where further research is urgently needed to help tackle these issues.”

Professor Louise Almond, from the University of Liverpool, said: “This base rate study highlights the wide range of abuse suffered by ‘honour’-based abuse survivors. What was most surprising was the low prevalence of characteristics that have been previously linked with ‘honour’ based abuse in Western media. Our study reflects a potentially different “reality” for these survivors, one which is more nuanced than maybe the public and/or statutory agencies realise”

To read the full paper visit: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jip.1602

^[1] K.Ridley, L.Almond, N.Bafouni, A.Qassim (2022) ‘Honour’-based abuse: A descriptive study of survivor, perpetrator, and abuse characteristics, Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jip.1602

October 20, 2022

Savera UK responds to latest Home Office data on ‘honour’-based abuse offences

The Home Office today released the latest data on ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) offences in England and Wales for 2021 – 2022. In the year ending March 2022, there were 2,887 HBA-related offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, an increase of 6 per cent compared with the year ending March 2021 (when there were 2,725 offences).

This marks a second consecutive rise in HBA related offences and of the 2,887 HBA offences recorded, 77 were cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) and 141 were forced marriage offences.

Speaking of the latest data, Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “Although the 6 per cent increase in HBA related offences is less than last year’s 18 per cent rise, it is still concerning. Not only is any increase in offences that constitute an abuse of human rights unacceptable, we also believe that these figures still only reveal the tip of the iceberg.

“The true prevalence of HBA and harmful practices in the UK are unknown due to the limited data recorded, which makes it very difficult to understand the scale of the problem. While the data from the Home Office is useful, there is still no central database that specialist organisations tackling HBA and harmful practices – like Savera UK – can contribute to, so we know there are gaps in the data.

“Greater awareness of the issues, the ability for police and professionals to identify and deal with them appropriately and greater confidence amongst individuals to reach out for help are all positive developments, but if we don’t have a true understanding of the scale of the problem, how can we know the impact and what more needs to be done?

“The mandatory reporting system introduced by the Home Office in 2019 by its own definition provides information that is defined as ‘experimental’ because of gaps in the data and other compounding factors. For example, although the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was in many ways a triumph, strengthening legislation around controlling or coercive behaviour, it does not include ‘honour’ crimes as part of the legislation, meaning that perpetrators can only be prosecuted for the specific crimes committed, such as coercive control, harassment, and stalking. This means that the voices of those at risk of HBA may go unheard by law enforcement and unrecorded in Home Office data.

“We were interested to see that 17 per cent of HBA-related offences were for controlling and coercive behaviour, mirroring our findings in research undertaken in partnership with the University of Liverpool, which showed that Emotional/psychological abuse and coercive control was the most common characteristic of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices among our clients. Having more robust baseline data like this will help specialist organisations like us and frontline workers like police officers and social workers to more easily identify and support survivors and those at risk, develop specialist HBA risk assessment tools, improve prevention strategies and inform where further research is urgently needed to help tackle these issues.

“Over the same time period as these latest Home Office figures (to year ending March 2022) Savera UK received 136 new referrals concerned with HBA, in effect almost 5% of the national recorded total. That is not to say that Merseyside and the North West have a higher prevalence of HBA-related offences, rather it reflects the work that has been done historically in the region around HBA, the establishment of clear safeguarding and referral processes involving police, healthcare and other professionals and voluntary sector organisations and this in part is due to our role as a respected and effective specialist in ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices.

“Year-on-year we are continuing to see an increase in referrals from professionals and individuals and the demand for our service continues to grow. Yet specific focus and funding to support survivors and those at risk, and to tackle the specific issues of HBA and harmful practices is woefully lacking.”

September 1, 2022

Savera UK Ambassador Sunetra Sarker donates thousands on ITV’s The Chase

Savera UK Celebrity Ambassador Sunetra Sarker on ITV’s The Chase

Savera UK’s celebrity ambassador Sunetra Sarker is donating thousands to the charity after winning big on ITV’s The Chase.

Sunetra, known for her roles in BBC One’s Casualty and Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge, appeared on the celebrity edition of the popular quiz show on Sunday, 28^th August.

She was joined by contestants Matty Lee, David Arnold and Basil Brush, and took back £5,000 in the cash builder round before facing chaser Darragh Ennis. The team together beat the chaser, winning £19,000 to be split between their chosen charities; Savera UK, CARE International UK, MIND Charity and Marie Curie UK.

The Liverpool-born actress became an ambassador for Savera UK in January 2020 having learnt more about harmful practices while filming an episode of Casualty focusing on the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM). She has supported the charity’s Speak Out Campaign and helped raise awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse other harmful practices, including forced marriage.

Sunetra said: “Savera UK is such an important organisation doing vital work to support people affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices like forced marriage and female genital mutilation, and to educate people about these practices and how they are an abuse of human rights.

“I am proud to have represented the charity on ITV’s The Chase and incredibly happy to have raised £4,750 to support them in their mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good.”

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, said: “We’re immensely thankful to our ambassador, Sunetra Sarker, for donating her winnings from The Chase to Savera UK. This money is going to make a real difference.”

“This money will help Savera UK continue its charitable work supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives with emotional and practical support, helping them to gain economic independence and move forward into their future with confidence while we also campaign to end these horrific practices.”

If you are at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse or harmful practices, or would like some advice for someone else, you can call our confidential helpline on 0800 107 0726 (operates weekdays 10am – 4pm).

March 30, 2022

Savera UK Clients Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022

In March, Savera UK marked International Women’s Day by holding a celebratory lunch for our amazing clients, who continually overcome hurdles in the face of adversity and are testament themselves of how we can #BreakTheBias caused by gender inequality.

Savera UK clients include both those at risk of, and survivors of, ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices. These practices are violations of human rights and are borne from deep-seated patriarchal ideologies which oppress women.

While Savera UK supports people of all genders, the majority of our clients are women, which is why it’s important for us to celebrate International Women’s Day and the strides that continue to be made to eliminate harmful practices and gender-based abuse.

To celebrate the day, Savera UK brought together the women we support for a Middle Eastern banquet where we celebrated their strengths, while looking towards a brighter future for all women.

Savera UK clients enjoyed a delicious feast at the International Women’s Day celebration

Speaking about the lunch, one Savera UK client said: “I enjoyed that I was able to meet together with other women who are from diverse backgrounds and to watch how they felt happy with the gathering.” She also added: “I felt honoured for being valued on that day.”

Savera UK support worker Emma said: “It is important to remember how fantastic women are and to celebrate our strengths on a day like International Women’s Day.

“It counters the narrative that many of our clients have been led to believe within their communities, which can hold misogynistic and harmful attitudes towards women. It is great to help them build their confidence and see their strengths that have often been overlooked or even shamed.”

Describing the atmosphere at the lunch, Emma said: “it felt like a celebration, it was lovely, united and positive” adding that it was “very rewarding to be able to offer some normality” and “made all the preparation worth it”.

Unfortunately social work student Taylor, who helped organise the event was unable to attend, but we would like to thank her for her work in bringing together the event.

Helpline 0800 107 0726