“Shining the light on Freedom from Torture”

King is a torture survivor based in Newcastle. In her own words, she shares the life-changing impact that Freedom from Torture has had on her and other people seeking safety.

I wanted to write this article as a young woman who has suffered trauma in a country where freedom, ideas, and critical thinking are suppressed to such a degree that you are made to feel less than human and always living in fear.

My journey to the UK was difficult and challenging, if it had not been for the care and compassion of services of Freedom from Torture, I am sure I would not be here today.

When I first met the staff of Freedom from Torture I was lost and frightened, and felt I could not trust anyone.

Within a short period of time, I learnt to trust the staff as I could see that they were only interested in helping me on my road to recovery

For the first time in my life, I had never experienced such kindness and support and what was the most gratifying aspect of all was the way I have been treated with a non-judgemental approach, with only care and concern for my welfare at all times.

These feelings awakened me and encouraged me to try and contribute in some way to carry out small fundraising activities in my attempt to pay back, the help and support I have received in the last year or so.

During this period with Freedom from Torture, I was surprised to find within myself some hidden gifts, whilst still under medication and therapy, I am now more able to express myself more fully through poetry and art. I have even received critical acclaim for my work which has been circulated in many media outlets.

The reason for writing this article mainly was that I was sorry to hear that the Newcastle and Brimingham centres of Freedom from Torture were about to close due to funding issues. 

I wanted to highlight that if anybody has any doubts about the value of what Freedom from Torture achieves, I believe I am that shining example of their exemplary and compassionate work.

Thank you for reading this.

King

Sadly, Freedom from Torture will be closing our two smallest centres in Birmingham and Newcastle at the end of January 2025. Like many charities, Freedom from Torture has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis over the past two years which has impacted our costs and income to the extent that it has been necessary to make cost savings to ensure financial sustainability into the future.

Over the past 20 years, the wonderful teams in these centres have supported hundreds of survivors of torture to access specialist therapy, legal and welfare support to help them recover and rebuild their lives.

We urgently need your help so that we can continue providing life-changing therapy and support for survivors like King.