Mend The Gap

The project addresses multiple forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) within Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, particularly African and Arab speaking communities. This includes asylum seekers, trafficked women, refugees, and those with no recourse to public funds. The service gives women a safe space to discuss issues that affect them and support each other. Since December, the group has met 4 times in COVID secure spaces and now have strong bonds, often checking on each other via WhatsApp group. COVID-19 led to more women reporting difficulties in their relationships during the lockdowns. To address this, we worked with our Peer educators and Befriend bilingual volunteers to deliver 6 monthly workshops addressing VAWG and relationship issues reaching many women. The Health and Wellbeing Coordinator (HWC) also provides 1-to-1 emotional and practical support for women from African and Arabic speaking communities who are survivors of physical and/or emotional abuse.