Umme Imam

Executive Director

Reducing health inequalities, promoting equality for Black and Minority Ethnic

women in the NE

MissionThe Angelou Centre exists to advance social inclusion and economic independence for women who are excluded due to disadvantages of race and gender in the North East of England.

African American women’s chant from the 1960sAll women are white, all blacks are men, but some of us are brave!

‘Black Women’- Normalised absence/pathologised presence

Lack of awareness in the mainstream of the interplay of ‘race’ and gender in ‘black’ women’s lives

Black feminist ethos-black perspectives on women’s issues

Cultural intelligence/linguistically diverse staff team

Non-judgemental approach-honour/shame

Holistic support Specialist advocacy

Building Positive Lives: an holistic approach

◦ User satisfaction interview- 43 women: 22 TCSP 21 non TCSP 100% user satisfaction reported

◦ Questionnaires (43) to measure of psychological wellbeing (Ryff Scales of Psychological Wellbeing) ‘Autonomy’, ‘Personal Growth’ and ‘Positive Relationship with Others’ ‘Self Acceptance

Undifferentiated scores for three but higher scores for Self Acceptance -TCSP

“She [counsellor] was the person I can relate my problems to and tell my secrets….slowly I told her everything and felt very free”. Interviewee 11

“Counselling was a very good thing…you can say whatever you’re feeling inside…you tell everything and you are free of those things. It’s like chucking everything out”. Interviewee 15

“For me, I go to this (counselling), I can now talk without being ashamed of myself. I know that everything that happens to me is not my fault. I can now think positively about my past experiences, not just the bad parts of it”. Interviewee 23

“(Case Worker) helped me to get help from a solicitor, she helped me sort out my problems with my ex-husband…we got an injunction order against him. With my immigration status we also sorted it out and I’ve got indefinite leave to remain in the UK”. Interviewee 22

“We have a lot of outings which really helped because, honestly, before I got here, I never went out…helps the kids to mix with other kids. Before I got here my kids were not talking”. Interviewee 5

“Because of the Saheli Group we meet other people and listen to other people. It gives you more courage” Interviewee 15