Therapies
We deliver culturally competent specialist therapy for people whose needs are not fully met by mainstream mental health services. Our therapists provide trauma informed support in through one to one therapy, group work, and community-based workshops. We work with survivors of FGM, gender-based violence and trafficking, and with carers and young black men. In the past year, 271 people were supported through these services.
The Dahlia Project
We run UK’s only psychotherapeutic service specifically for survivors of FGM, set up by FGM survivor and psychotherapist Leyla Hussein OBE. The service is now run by expert psychotherapist Njomeza Kartallozi. Several of our clients have been empowered to support national advocacy to ensure access to FGM reconstruction in the UK, including through providing evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee and participating in research with Imperial College.
Outcomes included:
- 100% improved understanding of trauma and increased self awareness
- 88% improved mental wellbeing
- 74% increased confidence in relationships and family communication
“The therapy helped me to speak about things I’ve held in for over 30 years.”
“Here I felt safe for the first time. There was no judgment. Just space to breathe.”
Therapy for Refugee and Asylum Seeking Women
In partnership with the Shpresa Programme we delivered Albanian language group therapy for women who experienced sexual violence, trafficking, and displacement. This year we supported 79 women.
Outcomes included:
- 87% reported reduced isolation
- 79% felt more confident accessing services
“In this space, I felt like I could exist again.”
Therapeutic Support for Carers
A dedicated group facilitated by our psychotherapist offered a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and reduce burnout and isolation. In the past year we supported 125 clients.
“This support group has truly changed my life. I now have a sense of community and support that I was missing.”
Fabian’s Place
Fabian’s Place is a culturally responsive mental health and mentoring programme for young Black boys and men in Islington. Launched to address structural inequalities in mental health access, the service offers therapeutic one-to-one support, mentoring, group sessions, and peer-led activities. In the past year, Fabian’s place engaged 42 young people.
“I talk more here than anywhere else.”
“Feels like a family that listens.”
Alongside service delivery, we undertook focused research with London Metropolitan University to understand the specific mental health challenges faced by young Black men in Islington. Two facilitated focus groups surfaced systemic issues and cultural barriers that continue to prevent engagement with statutory mental health services.