Three Tyneside women who previously contemplated suicide have praised the charity that helped to turn their lives around.
The Angelou Centre in Newcastle’s west end provides Black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee women with training, personal development, counselling and legal advice on immigration and domestic violence cases.
Each of the women hit rock bottom in their lives due to a combination of domestic abuse, marriage breakdowns and mental health issues and felt that there was nowhere for them to turn to. However, with support from the charity including counselling, confidence building and legal advice, all three have kick started their lives and are looking forward to the future with positivity.
Mary, originally from Nigeria suffered a breakdown when her marriage ended leaving her with three small children to raise alone with no family support in the UK.
“I went from being happily married to rock bottom and then there were immigration issues that tipped me even further. I’d scream in my sleep and I felt that the only option was suicide. Then I heard about the Angelou Centre. It’s run for ethnic women by women and I was encouraged by the stories of others who had been in my shoes. I saw that there was a way forward. A light at the end of the tunnel.”
Yasmeen was in an abusive relationship and fled the family home for her own safety. She firmly believes that the centre saved her life.
“I would have killed myself if it hadn’t been for the centre. They have given me a caring, nurturing environment which has built up my resilience and confidence levels. Many victims of abuse go back to their violent partners as they feel they need to have a partner to avoid deportation. The centre helped me to stand on my own two feet and helped me to face up to my ex-husband and I’m very grateful.”
Helena had a good job and the ideal family situation until she discovered that her husband had a violent streak and was threatening her children. Because of her job which was in social work, she couldn’t escape to a refuge locally and officials suggested that she moved to another part of the UK.
“My home and job were in Newcastle and moving wasn’t an easy option to take. I found the Angelou Centre and it changed my life. They helped me with court proceedings and helped look after my two children. We literally walked out of our home with just the clothes on our backs.”
Helena had to give up her career and her self-confidence plummeted. Her children were also affected by the severe disruption in her life. Over a number of months, with the support of the charity, her confidence returned and her situation became more manageable.
Board member, Steph Edusei who is also CEO of Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead said:
“Unfortunately, there is so little support easily available for women from BME backgrounds. The Angelou Centre is unique and essential and is here to help, support and be a non-judgemental friend to women from Black, Asian, minority ethnic backgrounds.
“Our aim is to give them skills and practical support so that they don’t need us anymore. We’d love them to continue to visit us and help other vulnerable women just as Mary, Yasmeen and Helena have done. It’s great to see their confidence levels so high and their determination to change their and their children’s lives for the better.”
To celebrate 25 years of the charity, an evening of live music, poetry and dance will take place at the Grand Hotel, Gosforth on October 25th. Tickets from Eventbrite
www.eventbrite.com/e/still-i-rise-celebrating-25-years-of-the-angelou-centre-tickets-70912355765
Ends
The names of the women have been changed.
Photo shows: Steph Edusei Board Member
PR – Keith@highlightspr.co.uk07814 397951