South Asian Women's Health Awareness Association (SAWHAA)
The South Asian Women's Health Awareness Association, commonly known as SAWHAA, was established in Bradford, West Yorkshire, with the mission of addressing the mental health needs of South Asian women. Founded by Shazia Alam and Foazei Pervaz in 2004, the organisation aimed to provide much-needed mental health services for South Asian women who were grappling with issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Though SAWHAA ceased operations in 2016, its impact during its 12 years of service remains significant, with its pioneering approach serving as a model for similar initiatives aimed at improving the mental wellbeing of minority groups.
The Origins of SAWHAA
The idea for SAWHAA began to take shape in 2001 when Shazia Alam and Foazei Pervaz, both working for the Bradford Primary Care Trust, became acutely aware of the lack of mental health services catering specifically to South Asian women in the city. During their work, they found that many South Asian women were unaware of the various forms of mental illness, and there was a notable absence of appropriate services to which they could refer their clients. At the time, the only mental health service available in Bradford dealt only with severe cases, leaving a significant gap in care for women experiencing less severe, but still debilitating, mental health issues.
Recognising the severity of the issue, Alam and Pervaz undertook a feasibility study, which confirmed their suspicions regarding the lack of mental health services tailored to the South Asian community. Motivated by the findings, the two women decided to launch SAWHAA with the aim of providing mental health support services specifically designed to meet the cultural and social needs of South Asian women.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The early years of SAWHAA were marked by significant challenges. Alam and Pervaz were determined to make the initiative work but quickly realised that they would have to leave their full-time jobs to focus on the project. The first year of operation was particularly difficult, as funding was scarce and came in short two-month intervals. As a result, the pair had to cancel several of the support sessions they had planned. Alam recalls, "It was a daunting time. We really didn't know if we were going to make it."
Despite these hurdles, Alam and Pervaz were determined to continue their work. They received encouragement and positive feedback from the Bradford Primary Health Care Trust, which bolstered their confidence. In March 2003, their perseverance began to pay off when Millennium Unlimited offered to fund the organisation's running costs. This financial support was soon supplemented by additional funding from other agencies, allowing SAWHAA to expand and increase its capacity to serve the community.
Services Offered by SAWHAA
As SAWHAA grew, it developed a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of South Asian women facing mental health challenges. The organisation offered one-on-one support sessions, advice, and alternative therapy classes aimed at improving mental health and overall wellbeing. Other services included social events, craft activities, and exercise programmes, which helped foster a sense of community and belonging among participants. The organisation also planned to introduce horticulture classes, giving clients the opportunity to produce their own fruit and vegetables, further promoting wellbeing and self-sufficiency.
In addition to supporting adults, SAWHAA expanded its services to cater to younger girls, lowering the minimum age of clients to 14 years old. Alam and Pervaz recognised that younger South Asian girls often faced unique challenges, including bullying, self-harming, and a sense of identity crisis. These girls, torn between British and South Asian cultures, often experienced feelings of isolation from their families, which exacerbated their mental health struggles. By providing support for this younger demographic, SAWHAA aimed to help these girls develop their self-confidence, improve their self-esteem, and enhance their quality of life.
A Community-Centered Approach
The work of SAWHAA was built on a community-centered approach that recognised the specific cultural and social challenges faced by South Asian women. These challenges included cultural expectations, language barriers, and a lack of understanding of mental health within the community. SAWHAA's services sought to bridge these gaps by offering support in a culturally sensitive and accessible manner, ensuring that women felt comfortable seeking help.
One of the key elements of SAWHAA's approach was its ability to build trust with clients. Alam and Pervaz, both from the South Asian community themselves, were uniquely positioned to understand the needs and concerns of their clients. They were able to create a welcoming environment where women could openly discuss their mental health struggles without fear of stigma or judgment. This trust-building process was essential in encouraging women to seek support and take part in the various services offered.
The expansion of SAWHAA’s services reflected the growing demand for mental health support within the South Asian community. As word spread about the organisation’s effectiveness, the number of clients continued to increase. By 2016, SAWHAA had 167 clients on its books, and Alam and Pervaz were hopeful that their services would continue to grow.
The Impact of SAWHAA
While SAWHAA’s official closure in May 2016 marked the end of an important chapter in the mental health landscape for South Asian women, its impact continues to be felt. The organisation provided a much-needed service for a demographic that had historically been underserved when it came to mental health support. The services offered by SAWHAA were not just about providing therapy but about creating a supportive community where South Asian women could share their experiences, gain confidence, and learn to manage their mental health challenges in a culturally appropriate environment.
In addition to its direct services, SAWHAA also contributed to raising awareness about mental health issues within the South Asian community. By tackling stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental illness, SAWHAA helped to pave the way for future initiatives that seek to address the mental health needs of minority groups in the UK.
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