Ashiana Network

Ashiana Network We believe everyone has the right to live a life free of oppression, fear and violence. Please click "About" for more information.

Ashiana Network's core values are:

* Professionalism
* Innovation
* Excellence
* Commitment
* Empowerment

We are a charitable organisation based in London, to help women from the Asian, Turkish & Iranian community get help when they need it. We are here to offer our help support and guidance to Women in need. We offer confidential and culturally specific advice, support and information to our cl

ients. Our aim is to empower the women and young people who use our services so that they are able to make informed choices and decisions about their future. Our Aims

Ashiana Women’s Services:

✦ Temporary, safe and supportive housing to women who are homeless as a result of domestic violence.*

✦ Temporary, safe and supportive housing for women fleeing forced marriage.*

✦ Culturally specific support and advice to residents.*

✦ Individual keyworker support offering practical advice, information and support in a range of areas, i.e. welfare benefits, life skills training, further education and training, seeking employment, applications for rehousing and health issues. Support is also given to residents in dealing with the mixture of emotions that arise on fleeing domestic violence situations.*

✦ Assistance in resettling the women into accommodation appropriate to their needs e.g. permanent independent accommodation, shared supportive housing, second stage semi-supportive housing. The project offers resettlement after care support for an average of six months.*

✦ Floating support to women living in Waltham Forest.*

✦ An outreach service to women who are experiencing difficulties at home but where safe housing is inappropriate, undesirable or unnecessary. A range of services are provided, including short term crisis counselling, assistance and advice on welfare benefits, rehousing, employment, education, health matters and setting up appropriate support networks.*

Ashiana Counselling Services:

✦ As a registered member of the BACP, we provide free specialist confidential one to one counselling for any individual living in the borough of Waltham Forest impacted by any form of sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse and or domestic violence, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.

✦ Counselling and support services are also offered for young people who are 13 to 21 years of age and have witnessed or experienced domestic violence. We provide counselling for vulnerable young people, facilitate support groups and train young people to become mentors for those young people affected by domestic violence.

✦ Sunflowers Support group is an end of therapy group to those clients who have accessed 1:1 counselling support, to be able to provide them with a safe environment where they can meet other people who have experienced similar issues and lastly to facilitate all the learning and self-awareness they gained in their individual counselling to support them once they leave Ashiana Network. Ashiana Youth Services:

✦ A programme of preventative educational and advice work in schools in Waltham Forest with 11-16 year olds, which is not gender or race specific. The purpose of this project is to raise awareness of domestic violence, abuse and children’s rights with young people, to help prevent abuse and engage in early intervention.

✦ The Youth Project offers extra-curricular activities aimed at young people between the ages of 13-19 who are disadvantaged or at risk of social exclusion. These activities aim to educate, raise awareness and encourage young people to positively engage with their communities.

✦ Workshops and drop-in advice sessions for women at local colleges and advice/ counselling agencies. Ashiana Training Services:

✦ Community outreach work at a variety of levels with both statutory and voluntary agencies aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and related issues.

* these services are specifically for South Asian, Turkish & Iranian women.

Celebrating Heritage Means Protecting Our Communities 🌺As we mark South Asian Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich hist...
04/08/2026

Celebrating Heritage Means Protecting Our Communities 🌺
As we mark South Asian Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history, vibrant cultures, and incredible contributions of the South Asian diaspora.
But true celebration requires accountability and care. It means looking out for everyone in our community—especially women and girls facing domestic abuse, coercive control, or forced marriage.
Cultural barriers, language isolation, and fear of community stigma often keep South Asian survivors silent. That is why specialist organisations like are so vital.
Since 1989, Ashiana Network has provided lifesaving, culturally tailored support, emergency refuge, and counselling to South Asian (and other minoritised) women fleeing violence. They offer a safe space where women are understood without judgement or cultural misconception.
This month let's commit to celebrating South Asian heritage not just through food, music, and art, but by standing up for safety, dignity, and freedom for all women.
How you can help this SAHM:
📢 Share this post to raise awareness.
💜 Support & Donate directly to to fund their refuges and counselling services.
📞 Reach out: If you or someone you know needs support, contact Ashiana Network at 020 8539 0427 or visit ashiana.org.uk.

27/07/2026
Emotional abuse can be difficult to recognise because there are no visible scars. Yet the impact can be profound, affect...
22/07/2026

Emotional abuse can be difficult to recognise because there are no visible scars. Yet the impact can be profound, affecting confidence, mental health, and self-worth.

If this post resonates with you, know that your feelings are valid, your experiences matter, and that you are being heard. Support is available.

💜 Save this post. 💜 Share it to raise awareness. 💜 Help someone feel less alone.

















New article by our Chair, Dr Aisha K. GillOur Chair, Dr Aisha K. Gill, explores why London's grooming gangs scandal is n...
15/07/2026

New article by our Chair, Dr Aisha K. Gill

Our Chair, Dr Aisha K. Gill, explores why London's grooming gangs scandal is not about race, but about failures in data collection and systems.

Read the full article here:
https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/07/13/londons-grooming-gangs-scandal-isnt-about-race-its-about-a-broken-data-system/

Aisha K. Gill argues that London's response to group-based child sexual exploitation should focus on improving evidence, identification, and protection for all victims rather than fixating on offender ethnicity.

Our colleagues, Nadia and Regea, recently attended an event hosted by Henna, CEO of the Young Ladies Club, on behalf of ...
13/07/2026

Our colleagues, Nadia and Regea, recently attended an event hosted by Henna, CEO of the Young Ladies Club, on behalf of Ashiana.

It was a great opportunity to connect with the community, strengthen partnerships, and support initiatives that empower women and girls.

A big thank you to Henna and the Young Ladies Club for organising such a fantastic event.

South Asian Heritage Month | Breaking the SilenceThis South Asian Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich cultures, tradit...
03/07/2026

South Asian Heritage Month | Breaking the Silence

This South Asian Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of South Asian communities.

We also recognise the courage of those who have spoken out about domestic abuse, sought support, and helped others do the same.

For some, cultural expectations, fear of judgement, or concerns about bringing shame to the family can make it difficult to reach out for help. No one should have to face abuse alone.

By breaking the silence, challenging stigma, and supporting one another, we can help create safer communities where everyone can live free from abuse.

If you or someone you know needs support, we're here to listen.

Dowry is not culture. Dowry is not tradition. Dowry is violence.
22/06/2026

Dowry is not culture. Dowry is not tradition. Dowry is violence.

⚽️ The World Cup is here!For many, football is a time of celebration, excitement and community. But for some, match days...
18/06/2026

⚽️ The World Cup is here!

For many, football is a time of celebration, excitement and community. But for some, match days can bring fear and increased risk at home.

💔 Domestic abuse incidents rise during major football tournaments. Research shows reports increase by:

📈 38% when a national team loses

📈 26% when they win or draw

Football doesn't cause abuse, but heightened emotions and alcohol can act as triggers.

💜 If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available:

📞 Ashiana Network: 020 8539 0427

📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247

🚨 In an emergency, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted.

Let's enjoy the football while keeping everyone safe.

"No Dowry. No Violence. Only Respect. Only Love."A woman's worth can never be measured by money, gifts, or demands.Toget...
16/06/2026

"No Dowry. No Violence. Only Respect. Only Love."

A woman's worth can never be measured by money, gifts, or demands.

Together, we can break the silence, challenge abuse, and build a future where every woman is valued, respected, and safe.

💜 Respect her.
💜 Protect her.
💜 Empower her.

🔒 4 Critical Tech Safety Strategies 🔒If you think someone may be monitoring your devices or online accounts, taking a fe...
09/06/2026

🔒 4 Critical Tech Safety Strategies 🔒

If you think someone may be monitoring your devices or online accounts, taking a few simple steps can help protect your privacy and safety.

📱 Trust Your Instincts
If someone seems to know too much about where you've been, who you've spoken to, or what you've been doing online, it's important to take your concerns seriously.

💻 Use a Safe Device
When looking for support, housing, legal advice, or speaking with trusted friends, use a device that the person cannot access. This could be a library computer, a trusted friend's phone, or another safe device.

📍 Check Your Location Sharing
Review settings such as Find My, Google Location Sharing, Snapchat, Maps, and ride-share apps to ensure your location is not being shared without your knowledge.

🔐 Secure Your Accounts
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), create strong passwords, and regularly check which devices are logged into your email and social media accounts.

Be aware that suddenly changing passwords or removing tracking apps may alert an abuser. In some situations, it may be safer to continue using a monitored device for everyday activities while using a separate safe device to seek support and plan your next steps.

💜 You deserve to feel safe, online and offline. If you are experiencing abuse or coercive control, support is available.

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