About us
Who We Are
Aanchal is a family and community support network, a safe place where people find hope, strength, and the confidence to say, “I matter.”
Our Values
We honour the culture, identity and lived experiences of every person we support. We understand the stigma many face when speaking out, and we believe everyone has the right to live with dignity, equality and pride, knowing they are not alone.
Our Commitment
We are an inclusive organisation. We open doors to safety, opportunity and the systems that protect individuals and their children.
How We Support
We provide emotional and practical guidance, tools and encouragement so people can make positive decisions, build fulfilling lives, and contribute their skills and wisdom to the world around them.
"We want women to talk to us, not only in crisis but long before that and long after"
Su Bhuhi MBE, CEO Aanchal Women's Aid
When one woman spoke, others found their voice
The story of Aanchal began for me in 1984, when a young Asian woman walked into the community centre where I worked. She was shaking, terrified, and desperate to protect her children. I listened, and within hours we were in the High Court securing their safety. Watching fear lift from her face showed me something I’ve never forgotten, how life‑changing it is when a woman is believed, supported, and not left to face danger alone.
I never saw her again, but she told others. And within weeks, women began coming to the centre, quietly, cautiously, bravely sharing stories they had held inside for years. What began as simple conversations grew into support groups, learning spaces, and community networks built by the women themselves. I realised then that safety isn’t created by services alone, it grows from connection, trust, and women standing beside one another.
A loss that impacted our mission
In 1995, a mother who had lost her two children to domestic abuse told me that late at night, after putting her children to bed, she would feel a flicker of worry, a sense that something wasn’t right. She said she wished she could have spoken to someone, even for a moment. Her words stayed with me. No woman should ever sit alone with fear in the quiet hours of the night.
Her story became the catalyst for our 24‑hour multilingual helpline. I wanted every woman, in every moment of doubt or danger, to have someone who would listen without judgement. Aanchal was born from that promise that no woman should ever feel alone, unheard, or unsupported when she reaches out for help.
Vision
To see a society free from domestic abuse and the fear of such abuse
Purpose
To promote awareness of domestic abuse, particularly in communities where there is little understanding, and to empower women to enrich their quality of life and to take control of their lives
Mission
To alleviate the suffering of women and children from domestic abuse and support them to rebuild positive healthy lives
Our trauma-informed services sit within four streams
Prevent
Professional training
Awareness raising in institutions and communities
Children and young people work starts here
Rebuild Post-Crisis
Rebuilding
Health referrals
Emotional support and advocacy
1-1 Counselling
Support networks
Respond
Low to medium risk casework
No Recourse to Public Funds
GP and health referrals
Self referrals
Honour based violence, forced marriage
Helpline
Integrate
Longer Term Rebuilding
Recovery programmes
Counselling
Group support
Therapeutic support
Skills building and education
