Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has visited the Saheliyaan Asian Women’s Forum, in Chorley, to see the work being done there to help victims of domestic abuse.
Clive Grunshaw spent an afternoon with victims and those potentially at risk of abuse at the Chorley Youth and Community Centre, in Lord Street, where he saw how the women are supported.
The organisation, which works with women from all backgrounds, recently received £20,000 from the community safety partnership so that it can deliver more culturally-appropriate confidence building courses. These include sewing and knitting classes, craft courses and English tuition.
Some of the women are also writing their own play to raise awareness of forced marriage.
After seeing some of the work the women have been doing, the Commissioner was invited to eat with them as part of a belated Eid celebration.
Mr Grunshaw said: “I am hugely impressed by the work going on at the Saheliyaan Asian Women’s Forum.
“It was clear to see that the activities offered at the organisation really help women to develop new skills and the confidence to make a difference to their lives. When I spoke to some of the women about their experiences, I was amazed by how far they had come.
“One of my key priorities is protecting vulnerable people and I am delighted to say that the forum is really helping to achieve this.”
At the end of the visit, Mr Grunshaw was presented with a plaque made by some of the women in their craft class.
Hasina Khan, chair and founder of the Asian Women’s Forum, said: “I was delighted to welcome the Commissioner to the forum and thank him for all of his support.
“The working relationship we have means we can continue to offer support to women from all backgrounds who have been subjected to violence or abuse.”
For more information about the Saheliyaan Asian Women’s Forum, send an email to womensupport@hotmail.co.uk.