Helpful organisations
Emergencies
In case of an emergency, call 999.
NetworkING AND MEETING LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
If you want to meet like-minded individuals you can contact the following to find out about meetings, events and meet-ups close to you or network virtually via web forums:
Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain: Web forum:
http://www.councilofexmuslims.com/Ex-Muslims London Meet-up Group:
http://www.meetup.com/exmuslim-34/International Humanist and Ethical Union affiliated groups:
http://www.iheu.org/contacts?sort=asc&order=Country+or+regionNational Secular Society Affiliated Groups:
http://www.secularism.org.uk/join-an-affiliated-group.htmlRichard Dawkins Web forum:
http://forum.richarddawkins.net/Richard Dawkins Website listing of local groups in your area:
http://richarddawkins.net/localGroupsBritish Humanist Association Affiliated Groups:
http://www.humanism.org.uk/meet-up/groupssupport organisations
If you need help or want advice, you can contact any of the following organisations:
All Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 8010 800
This service provides information, support, and help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to women experiencing domestic abuse. It can refer women and their children to refuges throughout the UK.
Ann Craft Trust
0115 951 5400
www.anncrafttrust.orgAnn Craft Trust offers advice to professionals, parents, carers and family members on issues relating to the protection of vulnerable children and adults.
Asian Family Counselling Service
020 85713933
www.asianfamilycounselling.orgThis is a national service offering counselling on marital and family issues. Telephone counselling is also available.
BAWSO Women’s Aid – (Wales)
0800 731 8147
www.bawso.org.ukIt provides a specialist service to women and children made homeless through a threat of domestic abuse or fleeing domestic abuse in Wales. They have purpose built refuges across Wales. They also provide emotional and practical support for women living in social housing. The service is accessible 24 hrs a day.
Careline
020 8514 1177
This is a national counselling line for children, young people and adults on any issue including family, marital and relationship problems, child abuse, rape and sexual assault, depression and anxiety.
Child Line
0800 1111
www.childline.org.ukThis service is for any child or young person with a problem.
Citizens Advice Bureau
www.citizensadvice.org.ukThe Citizens Advice Bureau offers information and advice on a wide range of subjects including consumer rights, debt, benefits, housing, employment, immigration, family and personal matters.
CLIC
029 2046 2222
www.cliconline.co.ukCLIC is the national information and advice service for young people in Wales aged 11–25 to help them make informed decisions in their lives.
Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain
07719166731
www.ex-muslim.org.ukThe CEMB provides information to ex-Muslims who have renounced religion. It also provides letters of support for asylum seeking ex-Muslims.
Forced Marriage Website
www.forcedmarriage.netThis website provides advice, information and contacts to help young people who fear they may be forced to marry or those who are already in a forced marriage.
Forward
020 8960 4000
www.forwarduk.org.ukThis service is dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the health and rights of African girls and women, in particular female genital mutilation and forced and child marriage.
Henna Foundation
02920 498600/496920
Henna Foundation operates a one stop service that works to meet the needs, concerns and aspirations of Asian children and families.
Honour Network
0800 5999 247
www.karmanirvana.org.ukThe Honour Network helpline provides emotional and practical support and advice for victims and survivors of forced marriage and/or honour based violence and abuse.
Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation
0207 490 0303 (9.30-5.00) or 07862 733511 (24hrs)
www.ikwro.org.ukIKWRO provides advice, support, advocacy and referrals in Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, Dari and Farsi to women, girls and couples living in Britain, in particular with regards domestic violence, forced marriage and honour-based violence.
Language line
020 7520 1430
www.languageline.co.ukThis service can provide an interpreter on the telephone immediately in 100 different languages, 24 hours a day. This is not a free service.
Local Women’s Aid
www.womensaid.org.ukWomen's Aid is a national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. They support a network of over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the UK.
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.ukThis service provides a helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
MIND
0845 7660163
0208 5192122 (legal helpline)
www.mind.org.ukMIND is a mental health charity working for a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.
National Domestic Violence helpline
0808 2000 247
NSPCC
0808 800 5000 (helpline)
0800 056 0566 (text phone)
www.nspcc.org.ukThis 24-hour helpline provides information, advice and counselling to anyone concerned about a child at risk of abuse.
One Law for All
0800 046 7303
www.onelawforall.org.ukThe One Law for All advice help line provides general and legal advice against decisions made by Sharia or other religious tribunals and councils in Britain and suggests referrals.
Respond
0808 808 0700 (helpline)
020 7383 0700 (admin line)
www.respond.org.ukRespond provides a range of services to victims of sexual abuse who have learning disabilities and those who have been affected by other trauma.
Reunite International Child Abduction Centre
0116 2555345 (admin line)
0116 2556234 (advice line)
www.reunite.orgReunite specialises in international parental child abduction. It operates a 24-hour advice line providing advice, support and information to parents, family members and guardians who have had a child abducted or who fear abduction.
Samaritans
08457 90 90 90
www.samaritans.orgThis is a 24-hour helpline that provides confidential support to any person in emotional distress.
Shelterline
0808 800 4444
www.shelter.org.ukThis service provides emergency access to refuge services.
Southall Black Sisters
020 8571 9595
www.southallblacksisters.org.ukThis is a resource centre offering information, advice, advocacy, practical help, counselling, and support to women experiencing domestic abuse.
Victim Support
0845 30 30 900
www.victimsupport.orgVictim Support offers information and support to victims of crime, whether or not they have reported the crime to the police.
Voice UK
0845 122 8695
www.voiceuk.org.ukVoice UK is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable people who have experienced crime or abuse.
Acknowledgements
Our thanks go to Capital Community Foundation which funded this report and to the Forced Marriages Unit which provided much of the information used.
The report was compiled by Maryam Namazie and edited by Muriel Seltman.
A publication of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, May 2010