Help End FGM and Support Those Affected

At DORCAS, we aim to support individuals affected by FGM and work tirelessly to put an end to this harmful and illegal practice through care, advocacy, and education.

DORCAS offers support to those at risk of or who have been affected by FGM.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a serious form of abuse that can cause lasting psychological, physical, and emotional harm. It violates human rights and often leads to long-term trauma, health complications, and a deep sense of fear, isolation, and pain for those affected.

The Girl Who Said No To FGM

Who We Are & What We Do

DORCAS is a trauma-informed, community-rooted organisation that supports women, girls, and families affected by abuse—especially Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). We stand with Minority Ethnic communities, asylum seekers, and refugees who face challenges such as discrimination, poverty, trauma, and isolation. Grounded in principles of safety, empowerment, and dignity, we provide a wide range of support services, educational initiatives, and outreach programs aimed at healing, protection, and upliftment.

Services We Offer

Emotional & Practical Support

We offer 1-to-1 support to help survivors rebuild confidence and manage daily life.

Trauma Counselling & Therapy

Specialist therapy including CBT, EMDR, and psychosexual trauma-informed care.

Yoga, Gym & Health Activities

Free access to gym, yoga, swimming, and wellness workshops for all women.

Group Support & Peer Sessions

Safe, guided spaces where survivors share, heal, and connect with others.

ESOL & Education Guidance

We provide ESOL classes, CV help, and career guidance for better futures.

Safeguarding & Advocacy

We ensure safety through protective referrals, legal support, and social services.

Legal & Protective Orders

Support in court processes, restraining orders, and navigating legal protections.

Awareness Training & Outreach

Workshops for schools, professionals, and families on abuse, FGM & rights.

My Body Belongs to Me

An early years programme that teaches young children how to protect their bodies, set boundaries, and speak out. Delivered through child-friendly language, posters, and group sessions.

An early years programme that teaches young children how to protect their bodies, set boundaries, and speak out. Delivered through child-friendly language, posters, and group sessions.

Workshops for parents and students on child safety, consent, digital safety, and FGM prevention.

We run outreach and public engagement events to break the silence around abuse.

Empowering Communities Through Health & Wellness

We support ethnic minority and migrant communities by breaking down health barriers and providing inclusive access to physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing programmes. From fitness and nutrition to trauma healing and health education — our services build resilience, confidence, and connection.

Yoga & Pilates Classes

Gentle movement sessions designed to reduce stress and improve flexibility.

Free Gym & Swim Access

12-week gym and swim memberships at local centres, open to all women

Zumba & Fitness

Fun, energetic group classes that encourage movement and joy.

Mental Health Workshops

Community-led talks on trauma recovery, stress, and emotional wellbeing.

Nutrition & Healthy Eating

Learn about food, diet, and health habits in a safe, supportive space.

Therapeutic Support

Trauma therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and psychosexual counselling available.

Health Awareness Talks

Sessions on breast cancer, cervical screening, diabetes, and more.

Community Support Groups

Safe peer spaces for survivors to share, heal, and connect.

Bearwood Hub

Services:

  • Confidential FGM support

  • A listening ear in a non-judgmental space

  • Advice, guidance, and safeguarding help

  • Community lunch & free shop

  • Sewing, arts, and crafts

  • ESOL and community garden sessions

"A welcoming place to connect, create, and be supported"

Leicester Women’s Wellbeing Hub

Services:

  • Women’s health & wellbeing conversations

  • FGM, domestic abuse, menopause, and period support

  • Free bra fittings (1st Friday of each month)

  • Sewing group for reusable pad donations (last Friday of each month)

"A safe space to talk, heal, and support global sisterhood"

Healing Through Nature: Empowering Men from Underrepresented Communities

This project offers safe outdoor spaces where men — especially those from Black, Minority Ethnic backgrounds, asylum seekers, and refugees — can reconnect with nature, build confidence, and access emotional and mental health support through activities like gardening and fishing. By creating space for healing, skill-building, and peer mentoring, we break isolation and challenge harmful stereotypes around masculinity and mental health.

Our Reviews

Service User

 

The service delivered by DORCAS has been superb. Carmen has been instrumental in helping our community members access the gym free of charge. This initiative has been greatly appreciated by everyone and has opened up opportunities for individuals who might not have otherwise been able to access such facilities.

Many of the participants have spoken about how attending the gym has helped improve their physical health, boost their mental wellbeing, and increase their overall sense of community.

For many, it has served as a much-needed break from isolation. The Health and Wellbeing sessions, as well as the activities at West Bromwich Leisure Centre, have been highly engaging and impactful.

Carmen’s dedication and hands-on support have been key in making this happen. Her efforts in organising the sessions and working closely with our community members have helped break down barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Thanks to Carmen’s commitment, many participants have not only become more active but have also gained confidence in looking after their overall wellbeing. We are truly grateful for the ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing our collaboration for future activities.

Community Projects Facilitator, Nural Islam

My gratitude to DORCAS for the opportunities they have provided for the local community.

I have filled out the form, shared it with the participants, and sent you my overall evaluation of the sessions.

Lead, Partnership Organisation

The service delivered by DORCAS has been superb. Carmen has been instrumental in helping our community members access the gym free of charge. This initiative has been greatly appreciated by everyone and has opened up opportunities for individuals who might not have otherwise been able to access such facilities.

Many of the participants have spoken about how attending the gym has helped improve their physical health, boost their mental wellbeing, and increase their overall sense of community.

For many, it has served as a much-needed break from isolation. The Health and Wellbeing sessions, as well as the activities at West Bromwich Leisure Centre, have been highly engaging and impactful.

Carmen’s dedication and hands-on support have been key in making this happen. Her efforts in organising the sessions and working closely with our community members have helped break down barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Thanks to Carmen’s commitment, many participants have not only become more active but have also gained confidence in looking after their overall wellbeing. We are truly grateful for the ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing our collaboration for future activities.

Community Projects Facilitator, Nural Islam

My gratitude to DORCAS for the opportunities they have provided for the local community.

I have filled out the form, shared it with the participants, and sent you my overall evaluation of the sessions.

Lead, Organisation

The partnership’s health and wellbeing initiatives for women and young adults encompassed a variety of engaging sessions and summer activities designed to enhance both physical and emotional health.

Programs such as fitness sessions at our community centre with trainers offered therapeutic movement classes, creative workshops, and family support groups, fostering a sense of community and emotional resilience.

Additionally, the gym membership provided a safe space for women to share experiences and learn valuable skills over 12 weeks.

During the summer, activities like football at Hadley encouraged physical fitness and teamwork, while the free gym and swim memberships at the West Brom Leisure Centre promoted overall wellbeing.

These initiatives not only supported women’s health but also created vital opportunities for social interaction, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and strengthen community bonds.

Supported By

You’re Not Alone — We’re Here to Help

Whether you need support or want to refer someone at risk, DORCAS is here to listen, guide, and stand with you. Our team offers compassionate, confidential assistance tailored to your needs. Don’t wait — take the first step toward safety, healing, and empowerment today.

Send Message To Us