Supporting women to heal, in the heart of North Kensington
In North Kensington, a small but powerful project is helping Arabic‑speaking women rebuild their confidence, dignity and emotional wellbeing, one conversation, one safe space, and sometimes one shared meal at a time.
“Beaten Not Broken”, delivered by Al‑Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre and funded by the National Lottery, offers free, culturally sensitive therapy for women who have experienced emotional or physical abuse. What makes this service truly special is not just the support it provides, but the way it provides it, with warmth, cultural understanding, and genuine community trust.
Women can access six to eight therapy sessions, either face‑to‑face or by phone, with professionally qualified Arabic‑speaking therapists. There are no borough restrictions and the waiting list is intentionally kept short, so women can get help when they need it most.
“Language carries the heart.”
Zohra Davis, Mental Health and Services Manager at Al‑Hasaniya, explains that therapy in a woman’s mother tongue is at the core of the programme’s success. Arabic expressions of emotional pain often carry subtle meanings that don’t translate easily.
One woman might say someone has “scratched my heart,” rather than “broken” it, a small phrase, but one filled with depth. Without a shared language and cultural lens, these feelings can be misunderstood or lost.
This project removes that barrier entirely, offering women a space where they can talk freely, in their own words, without an interpreter acting as a bridge between them and their emotions.
A trusted space in the community
For years, Al‑Hasaniya, which is also a North Kensington Health Partner, has been a trusted anchor for women across the local Arabic‑speaking communities. Many women have faced long‑term difficulties — low mood, anxiety, loneliness, or the effects of domestic abuse. With long NHS waiting lists, timely and culturally appropriate support can feel out of reach.
This project fills that gap. It offers a women‑only, safe, familiar space where women can open up without judgement and at their own pace. Strong relationships between caseworkers and the community mean women feel comfortable sharing experiences they may never have voiced before.
Healing together and sometimes over food
Zohra also highlights something beautifully simple: the power of food. Cooking together, sharing dishes from home, and laughing around a table helps women feel connected. These moments offer joy and belonging, even during difficult times.
“Preparing food collectively brings comfort,” she explains. “It lifts the spirit, even if just for a little while.”
Still supporting a community deeply affected by Grenfell
Nearly nine years on, many women supported by the centre continue to feel the emotional aftershocks of the Grenfell tragedy. Anniversaries, news events, or even everyday reminders can bring distress back to the surface. The project provides a compassionate space to talk, reflect and process those feelings — an essential part of long‑term community healing.
Open to all Arabic-speaking women
The service is open to any Arabic-speaking woman aged 18 or over, from any borough. Support is free, confidential, and tailored to each woman’s needs and culture.
Get in touch
Women can self‑refer or be referred by a GP, social worker, domestic abuse service or other professional.
Telephone: 07770 511808
Online referrals: https://www.al-hasaniya.org.uk/
Email: zohra@al-hasaniya.org.uk
Health Partner Programme
The Health Partners Programme brings together the NHS with trusted local community, voluntary, faith and residents’ organisations in North Kensington to help improve health and wellbeing following the Grenfell Tower fire. The programme supports community groups to work alongside health services so they can share health messages, provide insight into local needs, and help people access care and support in ways that make sense for their communities. By focusing on issues identified by local people, such as physical health, mental wellbeing and health literacy, the programme aims to tackle health inequalities, build community resilience and move from “talking together” to “doing together” through practical, culturally sensitive action.
