Tackling FGM

Manor Gardens has been looking after women’s health since we were set up in 1913. A recent initiative has sprung out of our advocacy work with newly arrived communities. The women we were working with made us aware of the issues around FGM so we took the lead on a variety of interventions to tackle FGM and support those affected by it.

Through our Tackling FGM Project we’re protecting women and children’s rights by reducing the risk to girls of undergoing genital mutilation in all its forms. Our trained community workers speak a wide range of community languages, allowing us to reach many of the communities affected by FGM.

Campaigning against FGM

We host a London-wide FGM Forum to share good practice and resources, join up community work and campaign for national policies to protect young women and girls from FGM. We work together to ensure that

• All professionals working with children know how to protect them from FGM
• Everyone understands the health and legal consequences of the practice
• All women affected by FGM can get support and find the services they need.

Community Workshops

We put on a wide range of workshops for anyone seeking to find out more and reduce the risks to young women and girls of FGM. Our workshops cover:

• the law surrounding FGM, why it is illegal and the legal consequences
• the health consequences of FGM and how it affects a woman’s body
• how to protect children from FGM
• what to do if you are concerned or worried about someone
• where survivors of FGM can find support.

Training for Professionals and Students

We provide specialist training for professionals and students on all aspects of tackling FGM and supporting women affected by FGM. Teachers, social workers and other professionals with regular contact with children are well-placed to safeguard girls from FGM. However, many lack specific training. We work with teachers, social workers, health professionals and anyone responsible for the care of women and girls to provide up-to-date information on the law on FGM, how you can help reduce young women’s risk and where you can refer people if you’re concerned.

One-To-One and Group Support

If you’re a survivor of FGM you can join our Dahlia Project, where we create safe spaces for you to talk about your experiences, thoughts and feelings about how FGM has affected your life.

To find out more about our FGM services, call Ros on 020 7281 9478 or email ros@ManorGardensCentre.org

Referral form

The Dahlia Project

Our work across London

Resources