Tag: Savera UK

The High Sheriff of Merseyside

Savera UK Meets The High Sheriff of Merseyside

On Friday 23rd September, clients, and staff members from Savera UK met with the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Ms Lesley Martin-Wright JP DL to discuss the charity’s work, challenges, and upcoming campaigns.

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment that lasts for one year. Ms Martin-Wright was installed in office in April 2022 and at her installation, she made three pledges that outlined her key priorities – to work with young people to help them achieve their potential, to support mental health and wellbeing and to offer advice and support around domestic abuse.

The High Sheriff, who also sits on the board of Savera UK Funder P H Holt, instigated the meeting to support work on her priorities while in office, learn more about what Savera UK does and find ways to help us continue our work.

At the meeting, the High Sheriff heard from Savera UK clients, who shared how the service had helped them through both practical and emotional support, and from Malcolm, a member of the Savera UK Youth Advisory Board, who explained how the charity supports young people to educate their peers about ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, while also allowing them to develop valuable skills.

CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim and Chair of Savera UK’s Board, Aislinn O’Dwyer also explained the origins of Savera UK and highlighted the ongoing need for a specialist service in Merseyside tackling culturally specific abuse and harmful practices including forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

“When we were first established in 2010 there was nothing at all that addressed this issue,” Afrah said. “Cases of HBA and other harmful practices were being recorded as general domestic abuse and survivors and those at risk weren’t getting the specialist support they needed.”

More than a decade on, in 2021/22, Savera UK supported 136 new referrals into the service, who were either survivors of or at risk of HBA, and a total of 202 active clients. However, the team knows that these numbers are still only the tip of the iceberg.

While understanding of HBA and harmful practices has increased, Savera UK’s support team – who work with statutory and voluntary services to support and advocate for its clients – still face significant challenges, describing the service as “a small river flowing through a glacier, chipping away to break down barriers” – citing barriers including lack of understanding, lack of education and fear.

Drawing on 30 years’ sitting as a magistrate, the High Sheriff shared her experiences of hearing the cases of those affected by domestic violence and recognised the unique challenges faced by those affected by HBA and harmful practices, and barriers that people from diverse backgrounds may face in accessing the justice system.

Ms Martin-Wright said: “In my role as High Sheriff I meet with many charities and voluntary organisations who do tremendous work in Merseyside and Savera UK is no exception. It tackles extremely challenging issues with compassion and strength and gives support and hope to some of our region’s most vulnerable people.

“It was an honour to meet some of its beneficiaries, the team that support them and those who are creating campaigns to raise awareness and change attitudes in our communities. I look forward to supporting and raising awareness of Savera UK in its work for the rest of my term and beyond.”

The Savera UK team also looks forward to working with the High Sheriff and thanks her for her time in coming to visit our service and meet our team and clients.

Text against a plain background which reads 'statement'

Savera UK statement following death of Mahsa Amini

Savera UK, a charity that advocates for and supports those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices, has released a statement following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

Mahsa was Kurdish woman from Saqez who was arrested while visiting Tehran, Iran, for reportedly violating a law requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose clothing.

She collapsed after being taken to a detention centre and died on Friday, 16th September. Witnesses report seeing Mahsa being beaten with a baton, however police deny mistreatment and said she suffered “sudden heart failure”.

Mahsa’s death sparked outcry across the country and in the following days videos of people removing their hijabs and cutting their hair as an act of defiance were shared. Protests in Iran have since resulted in 41 deaths officially reported, although human rights groups claim the true death toll to be much higher.

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, said: “Everyone, regardless of age, culture, sexuality or gender should be free to exercise their basic human rights. Savera UK stands with those in Iran who are currently fighting to secure these rights in the wake of Mahsa’s death.

“The reports of violent treatment against women by the morality police amid the enforcement of hijab rules is something we as an organisation condemn, along with the reported disproportionate use of force towards protesters.

“Culturally-specific harmful practices are rooted in societies based on patriarchal ideologies and at their heart lies gender inequality. Everyone has the right to bodily autonomy and the decision to wear a hijab is an individual’s own choice, concerning no one else.

“Our thoughts remain with Mahsa’s family and those who have been affected by her death.

“Let us be the generation that ends harmful practices.”

If you, or someone you know, is affected by culturally-specific harmful practices in the UK, you can contact Savera UK’s helpline on 0800 107 0726 on weekdays between 10am and 4pm.

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

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 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, 28th 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).

Savera UK Clients Dance Across the Globe with Movema

Savera UK clients have been dancing their way across the globe in sessions with Movema, a vibrant community organisation which brings people together.  Movema uses high quality world dance and arts to help people learn different dance styles and use them as a tool to promote understanding and share stories.

The workshops, tailored specifically for Savera UK clients, encompassed the four corners of the world with participants enjoying music and movements from around the globe –  from Carnival time in the Caribbean through to relaxing Yoga in India. The workshop celebrated people, culture and diversity, promoting understanding and value of other people and places.

About the sessions, one client said: “I enjoyed it very much as I got to dance and had a bit of fun without caring who is looking, and I was surprised my shy daughter joined in too.”

When asked what they learnt they said: “I learnt a few dance steps, most of all I enjoyed it even thought I was not in sync with all the steps.”

Another client said they had learnt how to improve their self-esteem and self-confidence, adding it had made a “positive impact on my life”.

One client said: “I enjoyed it because it was filled with fun and very much engaging physically and mentally.”

Emma, dance instructor at Movema, said:  “It was amazing to see the connection and communication between the participants when they were creating and performing. Some words used by the participants to describe it were ‘team work’, ‘togetherness’, ‘connection’ and ‘fun’.”

Emma also noted a marked difference in each Savera UK client between the first and final session. She said: “I have seen all of them improve in confidence, even when it comes to encouraging others and creating connection. I think this comes from allowing participants to express themselves individually through movement and words. I feel as though together we have created a safe space for everyone involved.”

Bea, Senior HBA Support Worker at Savera UK, said: “During the sessions the clients came alive – it was like seeing a different side to them. Wherever we’re from dance is always such a big part of our culture and our clients embraced it and showed us things about their personality which we wouldn’t have seen if it wasn’t for the opportunity to show it through dance.

“The clients loved it. They even asked us when we were going to have more sessions as they are so keen to continue.”

Bea added while looking at a specific dance style called ‘Azonto’ one client’s talent created a special and memorable moment. Bea said: “Our Movema instructor highlighted how good she was and gave her the stage to show us. The client was so shocked that she was thought to be so good to demonstrate to the class. She was made up! I love that we can create moments where individuals are empowered to share their talents and gifts.”

These dance classes were made possible by funding from Merseyside Sport.

Teri Wainwright, Workforce Support Officer at Merseyside Sport, said: “We funded Savera UK through the Sport England Tackling Inequality Fund and recognised the amazing impact that the project could have on the women’s lives.

“It’s great to see how the funding has had a positive impact on the women, building their confidence and self-esteem, opening up opportunities to support each other and build friendships through the power of physical activity. We hope to work with Savera UK again in the future.”

Savera UK receives free connectivity from Vodafone to help tackle digital exclusion

Savera UK will be using free connectivity, via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative, to tackle digital exclusion among those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. These practices are often perpetrated by family and community members meaning survivors and those at risk are often left isolated.

By being able to use free connectivity as part of the initiative, survivors and those at risk will be able to easily access support from Savera UK and other services. This free connectivity can also act as a lifeline for those whose risk continues to be ongoing, such as for those seeking to flee abusive environments. The initiative is set to benefit 50 people across Merseyside and Cheshire.

Afrah Qassim, Founder and CEO of Savera UK, said: “During the pandemic those in abusive environments were reliant on digital connectivity to access much-needed support systems such as Savera UK. This brought to the forefront of our minds the importance of providing those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices the ability to reach out for support digitally.

“We would like to thank Vodafone and those involved in the charities.connected initiative for providing free connectivity via SIM cards for our clients and helping us continue to provide vital support for those at risk.”

Emma Reynolds, Head of Communications, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Vodafone UK said: “We are committed to tackling digital exclusion.  We hope that by providing free connectivity to Savera UK and the other amazing charities across the UK who have such an enormous impact on their local communities, we can help create a more inclusive digital society.  We urge any organisation who thinks they can benefit to apply online and look forward to hearing how this connectivity has helped.”

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is part of its commitment to tackle digital exclusion and connect one million people by the end of 2022.

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is open to any registered charity that would benefit from free connectivity, either to improve its digital capability, extend its services or help the individuals and families it supports get online. Registered charities can apply for the free connectivity, in the form of SIM cards with 20GB data a month, plus free calls and texts, for six months here.

Savera UK pays tribute to those lost to ‘honour’-based abuse and violence

Yesterday (Thursday, 14th July) Savera UK staff and supporters gathered in Liverpool city centre to remember those lost in the name of ‘honour’ during a ribbon-tying ceremony on the national Day of Memory.

The Day of Memory takes place on Warrington teenager Shafilea Ahmed’s birthday. In 2003 17-year-old Shafilea was murdered by her parents for refusing a forced marriage, and becoming ‘too westernised’ in the eyes of her family and community.

Savera UK was joined by speakers who discussed the importance of looking working to eradicate ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices so we can look ahead to a brighter future for survivors. Savera UK welcomed Asylum Link Choir, who performed during the event at Pier Head.

Asylum Link Choir perform at Savera UK’s remembrance event as (left to right) Savera UK Chair Aislinn O’Dwyer, Savera UK CEO Afrah Qassim and Chief Superintendent of Merseyside Police, Ngaire Waine, look on

Savera UK Chair Aislinn O’Dwyer chaired the event, and highlighted the importance of partnership working with institutions such as Merseyside Police, before introducing Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine, to speak.

Chief Superintendent Waine explained the force works closely with Savera UK on cases of HBA and harmful practices, “both operationally and strategically” to support those at risk and bring about prosecutions.

She said: “Recently Savera UK helped us where we had a victim who was an asylum seeker and her friends were very reticent to talk to Merseyside Police. Savera UK came in and spoke to that community and gave them the confidence to speak up for their friend to Merseyside Police. We would have never got that result without Savera UK.

“Strategically Savera UK has helped us doing cross-agency training on harmful practices and also sit on a strategic board about how we can raise awareness about harmful practices. I have to say that is one of our priorities within Violence Against Women and Girls programme of work because we get hardly any reports.

“I agree that is not because it’s not happening, that’s because people aren’t coming forward and don’t have the confidence, maybe just accept it, or normalise it in the communities they’re in. We’re keen at any opportunity to raise awareness, for those who understand it and those who don’t understand it, about what harmful practices are and what the signs are. If there is a victim it might be only one chance for us to intervene, particularly if people are going to be taken out of the country.”

Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, also spoke during the event about the importance of marking the Day of Memory. She said: “This is the birthday of an ambitious young woman, Shafilea Ahmed, whose life was taken from her at the age of 17.

“She was killed in front of her siblings by her parents. The ‘crime’ she had committed was choosing education over marriage. Her birthday was chosen as the National Day of Memory, to remember her and all those who lost their lives in the name of so-called ‘honour’. Banaz Mahmod, Laura Wilson, Alisha Begum, Arash Ghorbani-Zarin, Samaira Nazir and many, many more.

“We want to remember to celebrate them all, they are not forgotten and on their behalf we are today speaking out, and every single day, we are speaking out.”

Afrah added: “It’s estimated there are 12 honour killings every year, and one every month here in the UK. There is between 8,000-10,000 forced marriages. However, charities like us on the frontline consider the figure to a drop in the ocean. The real scale we do not know.”

“It is an issue that can affect anyone.”

Savera UK Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Member, Ayo Folarin, read poems by herself and other members of the YAB written as part of a workshop after members of the youth programme discussed the impact of harmful practices with survivors. Below is her poem ‘Inspired by Maya Angelou’.

 

Inspired by Maya Angelou.

Ayomide Folarin

I wake up early morning and I feel like a hero

I feel like I have powers

I feel like I am invincible.

They tried to pin me down like

a rebellious piece of paper

Without knowing that I was a chaser

A chaser of dreams

A chaser for justice

A chaser for a great world.

 

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Text reads 'Day of Memory 2022'

Savera UK to remember victims of ‘honour’ killings at Pier Head

Representatives from Savera UK, a leading charity tackling ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, are set to mark the annual “Day of Memory” for those lost to ‘honour’ killings and ‘honour’-based abuse with a ribbon-tying ceremony at Liverpool’s Pier Head (4:30pm – 5:30pm).

The short ceremony will begin at 4:30pm with introductions and speeches from Savera UK Chair, Aislinn O’Dwyer, CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim and Merseyside’s Police’s Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) lead Chief Superintendent, Ngaire Waine.

An estimated 12 – 15 ‘honour’ killings take place each year in the UK, yet the figure for this ‘hidden’ crime is just the tip of the iceberg, due to under-reporting of HBA and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced/child marriage, and a lack of understanding about these issues.

Attendees at the ceremony will be invited to tie orange ribbons to railings at the city’s Pier Head as a mark of remembrance for those lost, to signify a brighter future for a world where HBA and harmful practices no longer exist and to symbolise hope for survivors who have made the brave decision to flee and find their new beginning.

Ayo Folarin, a member of the Savera UK Youth Advisory Board (YAB), will also perform poetry written by the organisation’s youth representatives, after a minute’s silence is held to remember those lost to ‘honour’ killings.

After the ceremony, members of the Savera UK team will be available to discuss the charity’s work and the issues it tackles with members of the public.

Speaking ahead of the Day of Memory, Afrah Qassim said: “It is vitally important that we use this day to not just remember those lost to ‘honour’ killings but also those whose lives are or could be affected by ‘honour’-based abuse. HBA is a hidden crime and one that is often forgotten or not afforded the same level of visibility as other forms of abuse or violence. 

“HBA can affect anyone, regardless of background, culture, age, sexuality or gender identity. This is why Savera UK exists – to support those at risk, to educate people around these issues and work toward eradicating harmful practices for good. We remember those lost, we see those who are affected and we will do whatever it takes to help them find their savera, which means ‘new beginning’ in Hindi.”

Afrah recently won the “Women of Courage” award at the Merseyside Women of the Year awards. She was recognised at the annual event for her work establishing the charity and extending the support provided regionally via its one-to-one services and nationally via the charity’s helpline. 

The national Day of Memory is held annually on July 14th to remember those lost to ‘honour’ killings and HBA. The date was Warrington teenager Shafilea Ahmed’s birthday, but in 2003,17-year-old Shafilea was murdered by her parents for refusing a forced marriage and becoming ‘too westernised’, in the eyes of her family and community.

Afrah Qassim receiving a Merseyside Women of the Year Award for 'Woman of Courage'

Savera UK CEO and Founder receives ‘Woman of Courage’ Award as latest Impact Report launched

Afrah Qassim receiving a Merseyside Women of the Year Award for 'Woman of Courage'
Image Credit: @wildkindphotography

Savera UK’s CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, has been awarded the Women of Courage Award by the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2022.

It is the second time Afrah has received recognition at the Merseyside Women of the Year Award, after she was awarded ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ in 2012. This year’s award recognised her dedication to extending Savera UK’s service since 2016.  In the last six years Savera UK has grown to include a national helpline, which provides advice for services and professionals, and a one-to-one holistic support service for clients in Merseyside and Cheshire.

The other element of Savera UK is to raise awareness of harmful practices by marking annual dates, such as International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM (6th February) and the Day of Memory (14th July). The charity has also created online resources to provide easy access to information on the issues, and connects with younger audience through campaigns led by Savera UK Youth. 

Following the awards, Afrah said: “I am overwhelmed to have been awarded the Women of Courage Award, sponsored by Courage and Sparkle, at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2022.

“Savera UK has grown so much over the last six years, and we are proud to continue supporting and advocating for anyone at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, regardless of their age, religion, sexuality or gender. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, past and present, in getting to this point.

“Developing Savera UK to this extent would not be possible without the support of a passionate, determined and caring team. It’s them I dedicate this award to and thank for their ongoing drive to end ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. I would also like to dedicate this to the individuals who have the courage and bravery to seek their ‘Savera’, or new beginning.”

Today also marks the launch of Savera UK’s annual Impact Report for 2021/2022, which provides figures on the number of clients Savera UK has supported, the nature of partnerships created and our goals and aims for next year.

The report found between April 2021 and March 2022, Savera UK has supported a total of 202 active clients. Of 30 clients assessed, 57% reported an increased level of safety after engaging with Savera UK’s service, and 63% reported an increase in their overall wellbeing.

These statistics are captured in the powerful story of Melika*, a survivor of forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA). After being referred to Savera UK, she said: “I was able to sleep well for the first time in a long time with this protection in place.”

The Impact Report also details how partnership working has continued to increase Savera UK’s reach, and what campaigns and projects Savera UK Youth has been working on over the last 12 months, including information about their month-long #ENDFGM Exhibition at the International Slavery Museum.

You can download Savera UK’s Impact Report 2021/22 here: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/impact/.

*Name has been changed for identity

Savera UK Clients taking part in self defence sessions

Savera UK clients learn self defence skills in Krav Maga sessions

Savera UK Clients taking part in self defence sessions
Savera UK Clients taking part in self defence sessions

Savera UK clients have learnt vital defence skills in sessions with Krav Maga System UK. Krav Maga, instructors Adrian and Maria explain, is a self defence system which “educates everyone on technical and tactical response in any dangerous situation”.

The sessions took place over six workshops, with Savera UK clients learning how to become confident in identifying a threat and acting to protect themselves. Maria said the purpose of the sessions was “for everyone who trains to be able to walk in peace by having the knowledge of awareness.”

Support Worker Nefeli, who organised the sessions for Savera UK clients, explained confidence-building workshops are particularly important for those who have experienced trauma. She said: “As women we often deal with uncomfortable situations, whether that’s in the street or in public spaces.

“Especially for survivors of abuse, increasing their self-efficacy beliefs – that ‘can do’ attitude – is key to rebuilding their lives. Learning to be assertive through posture, body language and voice can help clients break the vicious cycle of vulnerability and victimisation and better advocate for themselves.”

Nefeli said she was keen for the clients to learn self-defence to “equip clients with tangible and transferrable skills that would empower them in their new beginning”.

Maria, of Krav Maga System UK, said rather than freezing when a physical or verbal threat arises, clients were taught “to practise and to discover what their body and voice can do.” She said all of the Savera UK clients who attended the course were able to “use their body as a tool to defend themselves, and their voice to take control of the situation and ask for help”.

Maria added: “More importantly, everyone had fun and we managed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.”

Following the workshops, one client said: “My mental and physical wellbeing improved. I now feel confident to protect myself in difficult or risky situations.”

Another client said: “I found the workshop very engaging and I liked the spirit.”

Mums also said they felt better able to look after their family in threatening situations, with one client noting: “Going forward, I feel confident that I will be able to protect myself and my children from harm.”

Other clients said they felt more confident in dealing with “scary situations”, adding the techniques they learnt were “life-saving”.

The clients also praised Maria and Adrian for their motivating techniques, describing the sessions as “helpful, educational and informative”. One client said: “I enjoyed the learning process. The instructors are supportive and motivate you, boosting the learning process.”

Nefeli said: “All attendees reported benefitting from the sessions, which were popular with our core group, but also engaged non-frequent clients due to their interesting nature. It was a pleasure to see them grow in their abilities and confidence with each session and at the same time have so much fun, laughing and enjoying the drills.”

Nefeli added: “I have personally benefitted from self-defence classes and feel more confident in my ability to de-escalate situations or protect myself or companions if necessary. Having worked with Krav Maga System UK, I trusted the facilitators to deliver sessions sensitively and appropriately to avoid triggering clients’ trauma and make them equally informative and fun.”

These self-defence sessions were kindly funded by Merseyside Sport Partnership’s and Sport England’s ‘Tackling Inequalities Fund Project’.