Domestic abuse charity and Fulham Football Club join forces to fight violence against women and girls

The club hosted the Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud: Angelou 10-Year Anniversary. Celebrating a collaboration of 10 organisations that offer 10 different types of expertise, and specialist support to those affected by gender-based violence living in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Westminster boroughs.

Since its inception, the Angelou Partnership has supported survivors more than 12,000 times, helping them navigate services and systems, and give them back their voice so that they can take the steps needed to rebuild their lives.

The celebration event was organised by Advance, Angelou's lead partner and an innovative charity that helps women and girls who have experienced trauma through domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.

Liz Mack, CEO of Advance said:

“The marking of ten years of the Angelou Partnership is not only a celebration, but a call to action, a drive for more - not less - collaboration.

“The next ten years will be significant if we want to reach the Government’s goal of halving violence against women and girls, and we have a ready-made, replicable model that has stood the test of time.

“We look to call on community organisations, local authorities, and criminal justice agencies to work together to understand and to champion that VAWG is everybody’s issue to tackle.”

Eleanor Rowland, Director of Safeguarding & Inclusion, Fulham Football Club, said:

“It is my absolute pleasure to be working with the Angelou Partnership and being able to host their celebratory 10-year anniversary event. Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a cause that Fulham FC has been committed to for several years.

“Throughout this journey, we’ve developed some incredibly meaningful partnerships, including with the VAWG team at Hammersmith & Fulham Council, the VAWG Police Unit, and a local women’s refuge ‘I Choose Freedom’. We have also built a close and valued relationship with Women’s Aid, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping our awareness campaigns and initiatives to support women and girls affected by these issues.

“We are looking forward to progressing our relationship with the Angelou Partnership and are proud to lead the way in the professional football industry on this matter! We remain dedicated to continuing our work to create a safer environment for all, but particularly women and girls.”

Domestic abuse commissioner – and former Advance member of staff – Nicole Jacobs was a speaker at the event.

Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, spoke about the importance of partnerships like Angelou in helping to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade – a pledge in Labour’s 2024 manifesto. She also highlighted the need for approaches like Angelou to be rolled out nationally.

“The shared vision of the partners in the Angelou Partnership was that they’d be led by the voice of the survivor - the victim-centred partnership was built on lived experience.

“All the organisations involved in this unique coming together should be so proud of what they’re doing, what has been created should be cherished.

“This is the most event for me personally because it is incredible what has been achieved with the Angelou Partnership. A huge congratulations to everyone involved and happy anniversary!” said Nicole.

Cllr Rebecca Harvey, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety:

“In H&F the safety of our residents is our number one priority, which is why we have invested millions in community safety programmes including our Angelou Partnership. The partnership brings together organisations to provide essential support to women and girls who have suffered domestic abuse.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the partnership; over this time our pioneering partnership has helped more than 7,500 H&F residents who’ve experienced violence in their homes, through their dedicated work, compassion and vital support.

We are so grateful for all the amazing work our partners do, and we continue to build on the great work that takes place every day in our borough. It’s why we’re investing another quarter of a £1million this year to end violence against women and girls and make H&F a stronger, safer and kinder borough.”

Survivors supported by the Angelou Partnership speak for its success:

• 96% have increased confidence in reporting abuse and where to access help and support.
• 94% reported a reduction in abuse due to support and advice received.
• 90% were at reduced risk.
• 89% reported feeling safer.

The Angelou Partnership is a collaboration of: Advance; Women & Girls Network; Solace; Women’s Right Organisation; Galop; DVIP; STADA; Woman’s Trust; Hestia; Al Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre.