BSCA developed a FGM project in February 2010 to initially support women and men from communities affected by FGM in Bolton. Project aims is to tackle the taboos and cultural myths that surround FGM as well as giving the survivors the confidence and opportunity to share their own stories in a safe environment. It also hopes to minimise the risks to girls by educating the community.
What has been done so far?
- The project has delivered a number of workshops aimed at raising awareness to the target group in terms of the legal, health and social implications of FGM in the U.K.
- There is also work with Imams and other influential members of those communities to discuss the religious stance of FGM which is a stance which is opposed to FGM.
- This project is part of 15 other FGM projects nationally and meet three times a year to share idea and model of good practise.
- Pioneering work with men, anonymous questionnaires.
- Had numbers of telephone enquiries about FGM as a case for asylum.
- Peer research for young people going out into the community and conducting interviews.
- Pass all our findings to the Options and Rose who are the national facilitators for this country wide FGM initiative.
- A part of the Greater Manchester FGM Forum, which brings together different organisations both voluntary and statutory in tackling FGM.
- So far BSCA has worked with 213 women and 78 men in Bolton around FGM it is envisaged as Bolton is a primary settlement for gateway communities that this number will increase significantly in the next 2 to 3 years.
Services Offered:
- One to one support for the survivors of FGM
- Counselling service
- Weekly drop in
- Referral service
- Telephone service
- to relevant agencies.
For more information please contact Hodan Osman on 01204 334004
