CHOSEN CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2020-2021
Each year Malminder partners with a charity to offer pro bono support in the form of monthly therapy sessions, workshops and talks.
SAVERA UK
Savera UK campaign to eliminate ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices and provide life-saving services to those at risk, regardless of age, culture, sexuality or gender. Established in 2010, Savera UK are a leading charity tackling culturally-specific abuse in the UK, including forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Savera UK advocate for those who need a voice and offer a completely confidential and non-judgemental service.
SUPPORTING SURVIVORS
Since launching a one-to-one service in 2017, Savera UK have supported hundreds of clients out of abusive environments into their Savera – meaning ‘new beginning’. Savera UK help survivors of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices to rebuild their lives. By providing emotional and practical support, we help them to gain economic independence and move forward into their future with confidence.
CHALLENGING HARMFUL ATTITUDES & PRACTICES
Savera UK don’t just address the effects of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. They tackle the causes as well. Savera UK speak out to challenge harmful attitudes, prejudice and practices that violate individual human rights and educate and empower others so they can join the fight. Savera UK contribute to research, provide consultancy and deliver training to raise awareness of harmful practices and their signs among people outside of at-risk communities. They also campaign to encourage everyone – as well as specific affected communities – to recognise and report instances of ‘honour’ based violence and abuse. Find out more about Savera UK
Why have you chosen to support Savera UK’s work?
“Because the work Savera UK is doing is phenomenal and very much needed, as HBA so often goes unnoticed or is accepted as ‘the norm’ within certain cultures and environments. Savera UK is thankfully a voice for many people, calling out such wrongdoings and providing a service for people who are at risk or caught up in these terrible circumstances.”
Why did you want to offer your services/expertise to the charity’s clients?
“Coming from an ethnic background myself, I have heard of many cases of forced marriage. When I was growing up it was the norm. I have fortunately not been in that situation but genuinely feel for those in such circumstances and want to help where I can.”
How can mindfulness and wellbeing tactics help those at risk and survivors of harmful practices?
“Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that operates on a subconscious level helping the patients overcome traumas while inducing a sense of calm. Both these things are certainly important for subjects at risk and survivors that might be trapped in negative spiralling thoughts. During my hypnotherapy sessions, I equip my clients with the tools they need to ensure they can respond healthily to situations of stress. From relaxation meditation, breathing techniques and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) activities, I can help to strike the balance to achieve the ideal equilibrium between stress and relaxation.”