Columnist Claire Kenny paid a visit to South Leeds charity Women’s Whispers, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping women and children who’ve experienced domestic violence, other types of abuse, ill-health, and other gruelling situations.

Women’s Whispers currently has 1,000 clients, and founder Sunjeeda Hanif pulls no punches in describing its role: “We help survivors of domestic violence and gender-based harm who are destitute and in crisis. Many are stuck in hotels and temporary accommodation feeling scared and isolated, and ethnic diversity puts even more barriers in the way of accessing the support they need. We act as a voice and an advocate, trying to give them basic dignity while they find their feet.”

With no core funding, the charity provides practical assistance such as signposting to services, food and clothing, along with lots of emotional support. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I entered its Beeston HQ, but seeing Sunjeeda’s friendly smile and the huge range of donated goods, I was reminded that good things happen when communities work together. For example, six Leeds hotels donate lost property and personal care items, B&Q donates lighting, paint, curtain poles and crockery, and M&S donates flowers, food and other items. There’s also a partnership with Clarence Dock’s North Star coffee, and maintenance firm G&H in Pudsey has even donated a Vauxhall van.

Women’s Whispers also makes up and distributes food parcels, which include specialist foods tailored to women’s cultural backgrounds. There are even two portable induction hobs which clients borrow on rotation so they can cook at their temporary accommodation.

How it all started

Sunjeeda escaped domestic abuse with her two sons, who were who were 13 and 14 when she managed to leave. They encouraged her to set up Women’s Whispers to help other women and children from diverse ethnic backgrounds and are now operational managers, something she’s massively proud of: “My boys’ resilience, vision and compassion hasn’t just fuelled this - it’s fuelled me and helped me build resilience too. They’re gentle, kind and compassionate, which is something our women need to see from men when they’re learning to rebuild. There are good men, and it’s important to educate everyone, get rid of misconceptions and restore trust. That’s why we encourage support from the male community.”

The charity’s history is rooted firmly in the local community. Although they might not have known it at the time, Sunjeeda’s parents Hanif and Suraya were the inspiration, with their shop - Hanif’s on Stratford Street, Beeston - the original HQ. Women who needed help would go in and whisper about their troubles, and Sunjeeda's parents would pick up on their distress and help by feeding them, offering them shelter, and looking after their children.

Mohammed passed away five years ago but his legacy is very much alive, with his original counter, till and scales in pride of place at the charity’s HQ.

My visit was a sobering reminder that hardship and injustice is a more pressing issue than ever before. But for every person who’s a part of the problem, there are several more who want to try and help.

Sunjeeda is keen to visit local businesses to share her views on community cohesion, and how we can all help vulnerable customers who find themselves in hardship, including victims of abuse.

How can you help?
Email info@womenswhispers.org if you can help with any of the following:
Volunteering or donating a specific skill. For example, Sunjeeda is hoping to offer educational tutoring to the children of her clients, and always needs help bid writing
Drop off donations to the charity’s HQ at Hillside Enterprise Centre in Beeston – clothing and goods in good condition are welcomed - they’re also looking for sewing machines and electrical items
Know a business or philanthropist who might want to donate? Connect them to Sunjeeda via email