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Amy Masson7 months ago Survivors of gender-based violence and allies from across Lambeth came together on Friday 12 September at Strides Hub, Kennington, for an empowering and informative event focused on digital safety and tech-facilitated abuse.Hosted by Lambeth Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls team, in collaboration with our Gender-Based Violence Expert by Experience Panel, the session titled “Staying Safe in a Digital World” welcomed a diverse group of survivors and practitioners from the borough. The event provided a safe and inclusive space to learn, connect, and access support.The session featured a compelling presentation from Refuge’s Technology and Economic Abuse Lead for Lambeth, who shared expert insights into how technology can be misused by perpetrators to monitor, isolate, and control. A wide range of topics were covered, including how victims and survivors can protect their devices from interference, safeguard online accounts, and understand the growing risks posed by emerging technologies—including the use of AI in abuse.Participants left the session equipped with knowledge and practical skills to identify technology-facilitated abuse and promote safety in their personal and professional lives.“I realised through the discussion that some of what I’ve experienced was actually tech abuse. It’s helped me understand what’s been happening and what I can do,” said one survivor.The event also offered space for attendees to network and connect over coffee in the welcoming environment of Strides Hub, where Let’s Grow CIC—a community interest company supporting survivors of domestic abuse—hosts regular women’s coffee mornings and gardening sessions.Refuge, who led the session, also run the Gaia Centre—Lambeth’s dedicated support service for all victims and survivors of any form of gender-based violence.This event is part of Lambeth Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling gender-based violence. The borough’s VAWG Strategy, published in 2021, pledged to establish a Survivor Forum to amplify survivor voices and build community-led responses. Lambeth will continue to host events that raise awareness, connect those in need with support, and work collectively to end violence against women and girls.To learn more about Lambeth’s work on Violence Against Women and Girls, visit our VAWG webpages. You can also sign up for Survivor Forum updates here.

Amy Masson8 months ago On Friday 18th July, Lambeth’s Gender-Based Violence Expert by Experience Panel and the Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) team hosted a vibrant Summer Wellbeing Event at St Mark’s Church in Kennington.The event, part of our ongoing Survivor Forum series, welcomed survivors of gender-based violence and their allies into a warm and inclusive space to connect, share, and learn more about the support available in Lambeth. It was delivered in partnership with local organisations committed to supporting those affected by gender-based violence: The Gaia Centre, Spires, Africa Advocacy Foundation and Let’s Grow. The day featured a variety of engaging and relaxing activities, including chair yoga, arts and crafts, massage, body-painting and gardening. Attendees also enjoyed a shared lunch, with time to chat, reflect, and build connections in a welcoming environment.The event brought together a diverse group of 50 participants, reflecting the wide range of experiences and communities across Lambeth. Attendees included people of different ages, backgrounds, and identities. Cllr Christine Banton, Deputy Mayor and Lambeth’s Tackling VAWG Champion, was in attendance to show her support and hear directly from those with lived experience. She said: ‘the event was an amazing way to bring the community together. Food, creativity and exercise are good medicine for the soul’.Cherie Thomas Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Forum Chair and pastoral lead at St Mark’s shared that ‘partnering with everyone for the event was amazing, it was such a relaxing day and we are looking forward to collaborating again for the next event’. Anna Bowring, Community Engagement Lead at the Gaia Centre reflected that ‘it’s been an honour to be part of such a welcoming event, full of warmth, wellbeing and care’ The event also highlighted the importance of amplifying survivor voice — a core principle of Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021–27. The Gender-Based Violence Expert by Experience Panel plays a vital role in shaping this work, ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience are at the heart of local policy and service design.Alexis our Expert by Experience Panel member shared that ‘it’s really important for survivors to have community and this was a wonderful way to bring us together in space. We are really happy to represent the Experts by Experience panel here and contribute our skills to the event’. Survivors attending the event provided positive feedback including ‘I enjoyed it. I really needed it. I want to come to more events’ and ‘Thank you for a really informative and inspiring day!’. The Council and its partners will continue to work together to ensure that Lambeth is a borough where everyone is safe. The Gender-Based Violence Expert by Experience Panel will also be recruiting new members in the autumn — more details will be shared soon. To learn more about Lambeth’s work on Violence Against Women and Girls, visit our VAWG webpages. You can also sign up for Survivor Forum updates here.

Amy Masson1 year ago Members of Lambeth’s Gender-Based Violence Experts by Experience panel attended a Brilliant Breakfast community event alongside council officers from the Community Safety team. The vibrant event was led by local neighbourhood police and brought together residents, businesses, faith leaders, educators, and a variety of voluntary and community sector organisations. Representatives from The Gaia Centre also attended to raise awareness about the support available for local residents affected by Gender-Based Violence. Attendees heard from a variety of inspirational speakers and performers, including those with lived experience of gender-based violence. Survivors bravely shared their personal reflections including on the importance of community in their stories. Their insights highlighted the resilience of victims and survivors. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to network, build connections, and explore new ways of working together to ensure all women and girls are empowered to feel safe, valued, and supported.The Brilliant Breakfast was run in collaboration with the King’s Fund, formerly known as the Prince’s Trust. Through promoting opportunities for local women and girls, the event was also a celebration of International Women’s Day - a global movement recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for gender equality. It was a moment to reflect on progress made and the work still needed to ensure women and girls to thrive, free from violence and discrimination.The breakfast benefited from generous sponsorship from local businesses who provided delicious food and donated locally produced prizes for a raffle. Their support reinforces the importance of a whole-community approach to tackling gender-based violence.Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-27 sets our vision to make Lambeth a borough where everyone is safe. To support this, in 2023 we established an Experts by Experience panel – made up of local people with lived experience. The panel looks to engage local survivors to amplify their voices and to ensure that efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence locally are informed by their expertise and insight. The panel will look to build on events such as the Brilliant Breakfast to run future survivor forum style events in future.

Amy Masson1 year ago Lambeth Council has recommissioned the Gaia Centre with new and expanded services to support more people in the borough who have faced gender-based violence.Lambeth Council has saluted the work of the Gaia Centre, as it recommissions the pioneering service to support more people who are experiencing gender-based violence.The Gaia Centre, run by Refuge, has been a key element of Lambeth’s campaign to halt Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) for 18 years. The community-based service operates as a one-stop shop supporting victims and survivors with outreach programmes, independent advocacy, legal and economic support, group support, support around accommodation and housing, and other specialist services.This wide range of work will continue in Lambeth after the council recommissioned the centre, to offer to services including dedicated support to children, young people and adults of all genders impacted by gender-based violence.Partnership workingBut the new Gaia Centre will extend its offer by formally partnering with four sub-contracted specialists, to ensure the service suits the needs of all victims and survivors in Lambeth.Refuge has formed partnerships, based on shared values, and the ability to offer complementary support to meet key needs in the borough, with: Africa Advocacy Foundation, which will offer holistic support to Black African women and girls, aged 16+, who have experienced female genital mutilation (FGM) or other harmful practices. Bede House, which will provide one-to-one or group sessions of psychodynamic art therapy for children aged 5-17 who have experienced or been impacted by VAWG. Respeito, which will provide support for members of the Portuguese-speaking community who have experienced domestic abuse. Spires, which offers trusted street-based outreach services to sex working women in Lambeth. Launch eventThe expanded service was formally launched at a special event in Lambeth Town Hall [9 December], as part of the global 16 Days of Activism that follows the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women day – or White Ribbon Day – on 25 November.Word from CabinetCabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Mahamed Hashi, said the event was a fitting opportunity “to celebrate the life-saving work of the Gaia Centre and the important role everyone has to play in eliminating VAWG”.He said: “Tackling VAWG is a key priority for Lambeth; our third VAWG Strategy, launched in 2021, and sets out our vision that Lambeth is a borough where everyone is safe. But tackling VAWG is everyone’s business – we need to work together to realise our commitment – reflected within our Borough Plan (Our Future, Our Lambeth) – to make Lambeth one of the safest boroughs in London.“We have been proud to support the Gaia Centre over many years, as a single point of access to support for anyone affected by any form of gender-based violence in Lambeth. In the last year over 1800 residents were referred to the Gaia Centre and we are committed to ensuring that the service remains accessible to all who need it.“This year, we re-commissioned the Centre, to ensure that not only can it continue to provide this vital support to our residents, but actually expand its services to enable them to reach everyone in our borough who is in need of their support.”Abigail Ampofo, interim CEO of Refuge, said:“At a time when survivor support services are experiencing a funding crisis, the Gaia Centre offers a crucial lifeline to children, young people and adults who are impacted by violence and abuse. The Gaia Centre’s unique multi-agency service model provides survivors with expert support tailored to their individual needs, with our partner organisations helping to deliver specialist services to those most at risk. Refuge is proud to be running the Gaia Centre. We hope to see this innovative approach replicated across the country, in order that all survivors can access the specific support they deserve. With VAWG now at epidemic levels, specialist services have never been so important.”Get supportPlease visit the Lambeth website to access support or learn more about the Gaia Centre.

Amy Masson1 year ago Community members from across Lambeth and beyond attended a special film premiere at Lambeth Town Hall this week. People Must Do Something is a documentary film exploring the place of Christian faith and church communities in responding to Violence Against Women and Girls. Brixton-based Yellow Box Theatre company hosted the event in collaboration with Lambeth Council to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (also known as White Ribbon Day) on Monday 25th November. Expert perspectives were shared as part of a panel discussion with faith leaders, including those from organisations working to support survivors of faith, joining the conversation. The misuse of scripture and abuse of power in faith contexts were explored alongside the positive role that faith leaders and communities have in challenging harm and supporting victims and survivors. The specific barriers facing the women of colour, including institutional racism, were highlighted. As well as the film showing, actors from Yellow Box performed scenes from a new play Mi Gyals which explored experiences of gender-based violence across generations. Powerful scenes depicted the impact and fall out of abuse, inviting the audience to reflect on these themes. Tackling violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility and faith communities are an important part of Lambeth’s coordinated community response to gender-based violence. We will continue to work together to ensure Lambeth is a borough where everyone is safe. To find out more about Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls response please read our VAWG Strategy or visit our VAWG webpages. If you have been affected by gender-based violence you can access support from the Gaia Centre in Lambeth.

Amy Masson1 year ago Lambeth now has a list of safe spaces in the borough where people who feel unsafe when out can get help.The local Safe Haven programme has seen staff at businesses and venues in the borough trained up to support anyone facing harassment or threats.The details have been published online via Lambeth Council’s website pages in map and list form, detailing places signed up to the scheme.Cllr Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “This scheme is improving safety in our borough, and I thank the businesses and venues who have signed up. “In Lambeth, we are working hard to protect women and girls and anyone who feels unsafe when out in our borough. This offer is available to anyone who feels they need help.” There are now 33 Safe Havens in Lambeth, including at Lambeth libraries, all council leisure centres, and several business and community spaces across the borough.The council is encouraging more places to get involved and expanding the directory further. Cllr Hashi said: “We are working towards becoming one of the safest boroughs in London, and this work supports that aim. Tackling violence against women and girls is a major feature of that work.” Staff at the Safe Havens get free training with the Safer Business Network, a crime reduction agency. The scheme can provide practical help such as phone charging, contacting emergency services, family and friends and referral to specialist support where needed. Participating venues are displaying the Safe Havens logo in their windows. Lambeth Council and Southwark Council created the Safe Havens initiative, which started in September 2023 and has helped more than 100 people since then. Lambeth’s Safe Havens programme’s success has been adopted across London as part of the Greater London Authorities’ Women’s Night Safety Charter. Service or business interested in becoming a Safe Haven should contact the Safer Business Network online at saferbusiness.org.uk. To find out more about Lambeth’s response to Violence Against Women and Girls, please read our VAWG Strategy or visit Lambeth’s VAWG webpages.

Amy Masson2 years ago Council officers joined a police-led multi-agency enforcement operation in Brixton Town Centre on the 14th of August. The Violence Against Women and Girls Workstream Lead for Community Response worked alongside Public Protection colleagues and the Rough Sleeping Officer to engage with residents and signpost to relevant services. An outreach worker from Streetlight – a local agency that supports women at risk of sexual exploitation through street-based sex work/ prostitution - was also present to offer support for those in need. Whilst the focus of the operation was on Anti-Social Behaviour enforcement, expert partners were invited to provide specialist advice and support to vulnerable people. The operation spanned hotspot areas in Brixton Town Centre, using data and intelligence to inform patrols. Council officers engaged with residents around Rushcroft Road and Windrush Square who were concerned about Anti-Social Behaviour as well as the needs of vulnerable people, including around mental health and addiction.The VAWG Workstream Lead, together with the Rough Sleeping Officer and Streetlight worker, conducted a wider walk-around of areas up to Rush Common and through St Mathew’s estate, identifying suitable outreach locations to engage with vulnerable women. We spoke with several women who faced multiple-disadvantage including homelessness and substance use issues. Streetlight offered care packs containing condoms and shared information about their regular outreach services in the area. As a result of our engagement a referral to the Sexual Exploitation and Harm panel was made for one particularly vulnerable young woman. The multi-agency SEHP panel meets monthly to share information on high-risk cases of sexual exploitation and creates safety plans to address support needs of victims and survivors. We will continue to work in partnership to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls and make Lambeth a borough where everyone is safe. To find out more about Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls response please read our VAWG Strategy or visit our VAWG webpages.

Amy Masson2 years ago Survivors in Lambeth are being invited to share their views on how to make the borough a safe, welcoming, equitable and accessible place at night. A ‘Survivor Forum’ event has been co-produced with our Gender-Based Violence Experts by Experience Panel and is hosted in collaboration with Council officers from acrosss the Resident Services, Strategy & Communications and Economy, Culture & Skills divisions. This night-time focused Survivor Forum is open to victims and survivors aged 16+ who live, work or study in Lambeth will take place at Brixton Library at 6-7:30pm on 6 August 2024. It is one of a range of engagement activities taking place across the borough to help shape Lambeth’s first ever Night-Time Strategy Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-27 sets our vision to make Lambeth a borough where everyone is safe. To support this we have established an Experts by Experience panel – made up of local people with lived experience – and a quarterly Survivor Forum bringing together victims and survivors from across Lambeth. These groups amplify the voices of people affected by violence and abuse, helping us to ensure that our work to tackle these issues is informed by their expertise and insight. Our Experts by Experience panel was recruited in Autumn 2023 and their first meeting was held in December. Panel members worked together with the Safer Communities team to co-design and deliver our first ever Survivor Forum with service users at our commissioned VAWG support service, the Gaia Centre, in May. We look forward to welcome attendees to our second Survivor Forum event in August where we will explore feelings of safety at night and the activities and services survivors want to see provided in the borough between the hours of 6pm and 6am. The event will be led by members of our Expert by Experience panel, and we are committed to ensuring that the event is a safe and welcoming space for attendees. As with all Survivor engagement events, there is no requirement that participants share personal experiences. Refreshments will be provided and attendees will each receive a £15 voucher to thank them for their participation. For more information and to register interest visit the event page. You are also welcome to sign-up for updates about future Survivor Forum activities.

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News and Updates

8 contributions

Another Successful Survivor Forum: Staying Safe in a Digital World

Summer Wellbeing Event Connects Survivors and Allies in Kennington

Brilliant Breakfast: Lambeth Community United Against Gender-Based Violence

Lambeth marks launch of enhanced Gaia Centre service to tackle VAWG

Celebrating International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

New Safe Havens in Lambeth Launched

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Brixton Town Centre

Bringing Survivors together to shape Lambeth’s new Night-Time Strategy

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News and Updates

8 contributions

Another Successful Survivor Forum: Staying Safe in a Digital World

Summer Wellbeing Event Connects Survivors and Allies in Kennington

Brilliant Breakfast: Lambeth Community United Against Gender-Based Violence

Lambeth marks launch of enhanced Gaia Centre service to tackle VAWG

Celebrating International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

New Safe Havens in Lambeth Launched

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Brixton Town Centre

Bringing Survivors together to shape Lambeth’s new Night-Time Strategy

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