Help with FGM

Female genital mutilation (sometimes referred to as female circumcision) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK and recognised as a form of violence against women and girls.

Despite this, tens of thousands of women and girls are affected by FGM all over the United Kingdom and it can happen to any woman or girl from any background regardless of age, race, nationality, social class, financial status or sexuality.

If you have been affected by FGM or are worried about a girl or woman at risk, the specialist Harmful Practices service we run at Luton All Women’s Centre offers confidential information advice and support.

Find out more here or contact us on 01582 416783.

There is also lots of local and national support available. Use the resources below to find out more.

Local support

ACCM Bedfordshire

Offers support and information for victims in Bedford who have been affected by FGM, HBV or FM. ACCM also offer support in different languages and also has the website in different languages

National support

National FGM Centre

Information and campaigning

Rights of Women

Female genital mutilation and the law

NHS - FGM

Information on health services for those who have been affected by FGM.

IKWRO

Offers support in different community languages

Halo project

Offers information and support in the UK and also international work to end violence against women and girls, including a dedicated project on FGM.

NSPCC

Provides a 24-hour helpline offering support and advice on FGM in England and Wales.

Refuge

Information and support

Articles and other resources

The Independent: “Children under 11 should be taught about FGM, campaigners say”

Latest

Fundraise for LAWC

As a charity, we largely depend on grants and voluntary donations to meet the £1200 price tag we incur every single day. This is how we can continue caring for some of the most vulnerable women and girls in our community. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Bath to Tomarton Hike (Cotswold Way)

“ Empowering women to achieve their full potential has always been something I have been very passionate about....”
Raising Boys webinar (1)

Thursday 9th May at 9.30 am, online. Join this 45-minute webinar to feel more confident raising your sons and discussing issues around violence against women and girls with them.
Raising Girls webinar (1)

Friday 17th May at 1.00 pm, online. Join this 45-minute webinar to feel more confident raising your daughters and discussing the challenges they face, including issues around Violence Against Women and Girls.

Help with bereavement

Local and national information and support around Bereavement
Help with cyberstalking and online safety

Local and national information around cybertsaking and online safety
Help with domestic abuse

Local and national information and support around domestic abuse
Help with forced marriage/ honour-based abuse

Local and national information and support around forced marriage and honour-based abuse
Help with the menopause

Local and national information and support around the menopause
Help with mental health and wellbeing

Local and national information an support around mental health and wellbeing
Help with sexual violence

Local and national information and support around sexual violence
Support for women in Bedford

This page is currently under development but will soon include a directory of support organisations available to women in Bedford.
Support for women in Luton

This page is currently under development but will soon include a directory of support organisations available to women in Luton.

What we do

Luton All Women’s Centre (LAWC) has been supporting women and girls living in Luton and Bedfordshire since the early 1990s. Offering a wide-range of advisory, information, practical and holistic support services, our aim is to challenge gender inequality and empower women and girls to enjoy lives that are safer, healthier and fairer.
Jobs

Want to make a real difference to the lives of local women? At LAWC, we have lots of opportunities for you to do just that within a range of exciting roles coming soon (including a Women’s Academy Coordinator, Counselling Services Manager and Client Advisors). Take a look below and keep checking back for updates.
Counselling

Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, abuse, bereavement or any other distressing issue in your life, it can be easy to feel alone or that everything has moved beyond your point of control. Counselling provides the opportunity to talk with someone about how you’re feeling in a wholly supportive, confidential and non-judgemental environment. At Luton All Women’s Centre, professional counselling is an ongoing and vital part of the holistic support we offer to our clients.
Domestic abuse

Almost 30% of women in England and Wales say they have experienced domestic violence/abuse since the age of 16. If you are affected by this issue, Luton All Women's Centre is there to help.
Make a referral

If you’re a professional and think someone you’re supporting could benefit from any of the services we provide at Luton All Women’s Centre, the team would be happy to hear from you.
Health and wellbeing

The importance of maintaining good physical health, mental health and general wellbeing cannot be over-emphasised. For the women we support at Luton All Women's Centre, such things aren't always easy. Our centre provides a wide range of services which aim to help vulnerable women in Luton with this area of their lives.
Other groups

Luton All Women's Centre offers a range of support groups for women whose health and wellbeing have been affected by various life-events - including childhood sexual abuse and bereavement.
Essential information

Take a look at all the essential information you need to know about Luton All Women's Centre, such as our normal opening times, facilities and accessibility information.
Help with mental health and wellbeing

Local and national information an support around mental health and wellbeing
Volunteer with us

Volunteering with LAWC is a fantastic way for you use your skills, expertise and time for good, to support the vital work we carry out and to become a hugely valued member of our great team! Take a look at our current opportunities.