51ÊÓƵ

[Trigger warning: This blog contains references to sexual abuse and violence as well as other forms of abuse and trauma]

When relationships are the root cause of abuse and trauma, it is vital that any support for survivors is also deeply relational. At 51ÊÓƵ we believe that this relational approach is equally important when working with the specialist community organisations who are delivering services in communities and neighbourhoods across the city. It's especially true in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) space, where lived experience and a human approach to helping survivors play a key part in helping women and girls feel safe, heard and supported.

We are privileged to support a wide range of specialist community organisations across London. Many of these have been funded and strengthened by both the MOPAC VAWG Grassroots Fund and the Home Office VAWG Specialist Support Services Fund. It has been inspiring to play a part in their work with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence as well as other forms of abuse and the trauma these can cause.

One such specialist charity is Nour, who walk alongside survivors of abuse from minoritised backgrounds, offering culturally attuned support that is deeply relational, compassionate, and trauma-responsive. Nour was set up in 2011 by two Muslim women who were university students at the time. They felt that that assumptions made about who experiences abuse and the narratives around abuse in minoritised communities were impacting the ability of survivors to come forward. If survivors do not feel that the support services will understand their culture, faith, family dynamics and pressures, they are less likely to ask for help. Nour was established to address the injustices and inequalities experienced by survivors of abuse, particularly, but not exclusively, from Muslim communities. Nour’s mission is rooted deeply in social justice and anti-oppressive principles.

Nour, based in Tower Hamlets, are great examples of taking this deeply relational approach. Their work with underserved women in London counters the marginalising impact of forced migration, refugee and asylum status, racism and islamophobia as well as the effects of the abuse and trauma itself. Nour provide free counselling, legal advice, emotional and practical support, financial assistance amongst other services, with the aim to enable survivors to heal from the trauma of abuse and lead more meaningful lives.

The positive results of Nour's sensitive and compassionate approach is illustrated in the following stories:

Ella's story

Counselling has been exactly what I needed in my life. A kind and empathetic soul that accepts who I am no matter how I present myself. Having support from a counsellor allowed me to feel the anger that I was afraid of. To feel it, allow it, and accept that anger is a part of my grief and journey of growth. I feel more positive, confident, and kinder to and comfortable in myself. - Ella, Counselling client

Ella* came to Nour as a young woman carrying the profound impact of child sexual abuse by a close family member. This early trauma had been compounded by a lack of support as she grew older, with additional adverse encounters leaving her experiencing shutdown and disconnect in relationships. She struggled to form intimate connections and needed a safe space to process not only the known abuse, but also the more subtle harm caused by another parent's collusion and minimisation of her trauma.

Through Nour's free counselling service, Ella received trauma-responsive support to explore her relational patterns with others and her relationship with her own childhood and adolescence. Her counsellor provided a safe, judgement-free space to examine uncomfortable truths that had been overshadowed in previous therapeutic work. Together, they explored the harmful role her mother played in colluding with and minimising her trauma and how this had shaped Ella's adaptive strategies and ability to trust others.

Ella's journey through counselling has led to significant personal growth and clarity. She has navigated the relationship with her mother through therapy. She feels she can now learn from setbacks without the fear that previously held her back. Counselling has given Ella the space she needed to understand the full picture of her trauma and to develop healthier patterns for the future. She now moves forward with greater self-awareness, agency and hope for meaningful relationships built on trust and authenticity.

Sara's story

"When I was in crisis and badly needed their help, Nour made me realise that I have to live. I can heal. I am happy." - Sara, Hardship Grant client

Sara* contacted Nour seeking emotional support and counselling services after sexual abuse in her home country. She had received threats against her life, forcing her to seek asylum status in the UK for protection and permanent residency. As trust developed through 1:1 support sessions with her support worker, Sara was able to express her deep fears and worries. She also shared the challenges around her living situation and asked for help to buy food and clothing for her child, as she was struggling to meet even their most basic needs.

Sara was supported to apply for a hardship grant through Nour's financial assistance programme. The Nour grants manager worked closely with their specialist zakat advisor to determine whether Nour could pay towards Sara's immediate debt in addition to providing food and clothing. Her application was carefully processed in consultation with the specialist zakat advisor, and Sara received a grant to both clear her debt and contribute towards essential food and clothing for herself and her child.

The stress and fear caused by the threats, debt repayment demands and inability to meet essential living needs had taken a severe toll on Sara's mental health. The grant relieved significant adversity and lifted a huge burden from her shoulders. In her first conversation with the grants manager, Sara had expressed that she could not see a future and had no will to live. The support she received gave her hope again. Sara continued to receive support from her support worker and began counselling sessions to help her heal and recover from the trauma she had faced, taking steps toward rebuilding her life in safety.

*Names have been changed

Play your part

We are so grateful to donors and funders like MOPAC and the Home Office who have seen the difference taking a relational and wholistic approach to funding for specialist community organisations like Nour can make.

If you or your company would like to know more about making a difference to London's underserved communities, please get in touch with our Philanthropy team on philanthropy@londoncf.org.uk