Wise angels find a home

Docklands has become home to a new charity aiming to support people experiencing family violence.

Wise Angel Foundation was established by Sahar Ghaly last month and is currently based at the Aquavista building in NewQuay.

According to Ms Ghaly, the Wise Angel Foundation will complement existing family violence services.

“The difference is that we are run by survivors, people who have first-hand experienced family violence and therefore they know what went right and what went wrong in the system and know what they can do to help other women,” Ms Ghaly said.

Ms Ghaly said she had developed strength through her own experience of family violence.

“In terms of having the first-hand knowledge, the passion was there and the knowledge was there that I had to make a difference,” she said.

Ms Ghaly said the foundation’s first task would be to establish a respite centre, which she hopes will be open within four months.

“It would be a drop-in centre where women would feel safe and secure, they can chat with other women who have been through family violence, have some food and have all their needs met.”

The foundation has also established a website with a 24-hour chat service offering real-time support and advice.

Ms Ghaly said the foundation aimed to give people the key skills and resources needed to “rewrite their lives” and re-engage with society.

“While there is bleakness and darkness, there’s also hope and someone out there who can help,” Ms Ghaly said.

The foundation also aims to establish links with cultural and religious groups and employment agencies and create a program for schools in order to educate children about family violence.

Ms Ghaly said the not-for-profit foundation would primarily be funded by large-scale organisations.

It has already attracted the support of property development group Bayland, which is the foundation patron and AUB Heavy Equipment Financial Services, which has provided office space.

Ms Ghaly said she would continue to seek further charity partners to support the foundation’s work.

“The reality is when you help Wise Angel you’re actually investing in changing someone’s life and helping them rewrite their life,” she said.

Wise Angel Foundation is holding a fundraising launch event at the Grand Hyatt on Saturday, November 14 from 1pm until 4pm.

For more information about Wise Angel Foundation and the launch event visit http://www.wiseangelfoundation.com