Our story
Finding inspiration at every turn
Aanchal is the South Asian word for a covering for the head, as is worn by Asian women. The word commonly symbolises protection, comfort and safety, which are the same principles at the core of all our work.
Aanchal Women’s Aid was founded by Su Bhuhi when a woman needed support to safeguard her children from being taken to South Asia against her will.
Su, a survivor herself, took a stand to help protect the women and her children from further harm.
We provide support and services to help people who face challenging life situations so that they can understand their rights and make informed choices. Aanchal continues to grow from strength to strength. We never lose sight of the person that knocks on our door and their needs. We listen and we understand. We have helped over 40,000 women since 1984.
“We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward, that’s how much Aanchal has helped me.”
“Aanchal brings a uniqueness. It’s the spirit or essence in this place. It’s not just knowledge, it’s a different kind of healing and growth you don’t find in regular settings. There’s a realness and rawness which makes it different from other charities.”
Our team
Our team comprises women who are primarily from South Asian communities or have direct experience of South Asian cultures. As well as being highly trained in our field of expertise (IDVA and ISVA qualifications).
We have several Asian and European language speakers with unique insight and understanding of the culture and social factors that inhibit the development of individuals, making them vulnerable to abuse.
Many members of our staff and supporters know first hand the impact of abuse and as such are empathetic to the problems faced by our beneficiaries. Up to 20% of the women we help return to Aanchal as volunteers. These women are now committed to ensuring that no other women should suffer the same.
Our current staff consists of full time and part time staff, working alongside volunteers. We are supported by a dedicated Board of Trustees who have diverse skills to ensure we are a sustainable and sound organisation, underpinned by values which run throughout the organisation and resonate with our beneficiaries.
Our board of trustees - An introduction to Aanchal's governance team
Sudarshan Bhuhi MBE
Founder, CEO
Born in Africa, lived in India and grew up in London, I set up Aanchal Women’s Aid in 1984.There was a time in my life where making that call for help would have meant everything in that moment. There was no one to turn to apart from close family members, for whom I did not want to cause grief. The one thing I held on to was that I hold my own value and I matter. My strength came from that belief and it helped me let go of fear and take the steps one at a time to be free to live my own life.
My desire is to support others to find continuous courage they need to create their own path. Aanchal is here to ensure women, men and children are listened to and by listening we have grown an active connected community. What Aanchal needs now is a space that honours their desire to stay in touch and give back to others.
Saba Butt
Chairperson
During my gap year after completing my undergraduate degree, I became a volunteer at Aanchal Women’s Aid in February 2011. Belonging to an Asian community, I am aware of the social issues that exist within the community and the hardships that many women have to face in the name of culture, honour and family values. I decided to join Aanchal Women’s Aid in order to be able to help such women.
I joined Aanchal as a frontline volunteer advisor in the office as well as being a voluntary advisor on the out of hours emergency helpline for two years. In 2013, I joined the board of trustees as a Chairperson for Aanchal Women’s Aid while continuing to be a voluntary domestic violence advisor on the emergency helpline.
Nilam Vora
Vice Chair
I first joined Aanchal in 2010 as a helpline volunteer for two years. After a couple of years in the US, I returned to London and was keen to support Aanchal with their digital marketing and social media. I have been a trustee since 2018.
I’ve been supporting domestic violence charities since 2004 and I’m so proud of the dedicated and caring team of staff and volunteers at Aanchal. Outside of my involvement with Aanchal, I have more than a decade of experience advising professional services companies on marketing, business development, content development, branding and social media.
Kelly Mullane
Secretary (Senior Vice President of Product Development and Business consultant,EMEA Sales at Northern Trust Corporation)
I began supporting Aanchal Women’s Aid back in 2008 when I was a project manager within Emerging Markets at Barclays Capital, where I was part of the Women’s International Network. Over the couple of years working with the WIN committee, I raised significant funds for the organisation. In 2010 I, along with the WIN committee, supported Aanchal to launch their Corporate Mentoring Scheme which successfully supported over fifty Aanchal clients to gain confidence in and knowledge of working within the corporate sector.
Through this project I became very involved with Aanchal's future developments and I was successfully recruited as secretary for the charity in 2009.
Martin Real
Treasurer (Solicitor Family Law)
I graduated from Exeter University with an Honours Degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern Politics and later qualified as a NATO‑standard Arabic Interpreter. I hold a PGCE in Further Education and served as an officer in the British Army for nearly seven years, reaching the rank of Captain and completing deployments in Iraq, Jordan, Germany, and the UK. In 2010, I earned an MBA from the Open University Business School.
I joined the Board because I believe in public service and want to use my leadership experience, strategic skills, and commitment to community safety to support Aanchal’s mission and long‑term development.
Lee Phanurat-Bennett
Trustee
I am an experienced business leader, communications specialist, strategist, and dual‑qualified lawyer (New York, England & Wales).I work internationally supporting high‑net‑worth individuals, companies, and emerging businesses with complex commercial matters and strategic decision‑making. Through my company, Accordant, I oversee negotiations, due diligence, and investor relationships, and help organisations navigate growth and change.
I joined the Board I am committed to using my expertise, networks, and strategic insight to strengthen Aanchal’s governance, support its long‑term sustainability, and help the organisation expand its impact.
Radhika Diman - Trustee. (Ex Service User)
Supports service user focus groups, service improvements and connects with service users. Inspires community through workshops and sharing own story. Has developed personally and professionally since first connected with Aanchal in 2010.
Developed a business and came back to Aanchal to support the organisation in 2021.
Some of our partners
