Our Team

Bhavika Mistry

Legal Lead

“I was delighted to join Safeline as a trustee in September 2018. I knew that joining the board of trustees would be a learning curve for me as this is the first trustee role I had undertaken. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2016, I wanted to broaden my horizons and take on a new challenge outside of my comfort zone and give back to the community at the same time. In addition, having only worked in the private sector I also wanted to gain an insight into the voluntary / charity sector and bring my commercial and legal experience to the table in order to support the strategic aims of Safeline.

Over the last 3 years, it has been an honour to be a part of the rapid growth at Safeline which has gone from strength to strength in terms of the diverse range of support the charity has provided to survivors and being able to swiftly adapt during the pandemic whilst always keeping the survivors’ best interests at the forefront. Being part of such a great charity that has changed the lives of survivors has been incredibly rewarding and I look forward to continuing to contribute to Safeline’s ambitions going forward.”

Carolyn Hodges

Policies and Processes Lead

Originally a music graduate from Glasgow, I have had a 30 year sales and sales management career in the Mobile Telecoms and IT industry. I stepped away from my corporate career in 2016 to concentrate on finding the right ‘what next’ – as a result I am now qualified as a business and personal coach, running my own coaching company and supporting people in and outside of business to discover their own ‘what next’. I love the focus that every individual involved with Safeline gives to the people who come to the charity for help. As a Trustee, encouraging a National conversation about the need for skilled support for abuse is a great privilege.

Eric Hogg

Chair of Board of Trustees          

When I joined the Board of Trustees in September 2018, I had little knowledge about Safeline but had concerns about an increase in rape and sexual abuse, particularly the institutionalised abuse reported in the media.  The learning curve has been steep but worthwhile, knowing that Safeline is having a positive impact on the lives of so many people. My lack of experience of the operational aspects was offset by my experience of governance, having served as a school Governor for many years.  It was this, combined with my general management and HR experience, that I believed would enable me to contribute as a Trustee.  I continue, to enjoy my involvement at what is an exciting period in the development of Safeline.

In the relatively short time I have been a trustee we have seen significant change in terms of growth and outreach to a wider number of people.  From being a small, local charity we have moved to being an organisation with a national focus, delivered support through many channels including remotely via the use of technology.  To have been part of delivering that change has been satisfying, particularly working with other trustees who have a diverse range of skills and experience but share a common mission.  The job will never be completed but being part of making life better for people is extremely rewarding, and I look forward to my continued involvement.

Linda Scott

Fundraising and Development Lead

Resume of past experience 2000 to 2011 – Chief Executive of The Arkwright Scholarship Trust. The Charity spearheaded a national programme which encouraged students to consider engineering and technological subjects as a career by awarding Scholarships in Year 11. As CEO of the charity the key role was to ensure that all Scholarships were funded year on year from external sources, industry, charities and personal donors. In addition core funds to manage the Charity were raised. Annually 300 Scholarships were awarded through a high quality process of selection of students working with 650 schools nationally. The programme needed continuous development to ensure quality of students selected and continuing support from sponsors. Resume of past experience 1987 to 2000 – National Director of The Engineering Education Scheme part of the The Royal Academy of Engineering Best programme. The scheme encouraged very able young people to consider engineering as a career by matching teams with industry to work on real engineering problems. A key role as National Director was to ensure that industry sponsorship of the team was achieved together with them providing a mentor. Over that period of time 5000 young people participated. Development of the partnerships formed with industry entailed ongoing support and mentoring of the students as they entered Higher Education Additional information • As National Director of The Engineering Education Scheme I was invited to become part of the DTI Action for Engineering Working Group. This initiative was a result of a report highlighting the poor take up of Engineering as a career by young people. The outcome of the Working Group was the formulation of a charity SETNET which was a support network of engineeers working with schools. I became a Director of SETNET. • Awarded an OBE in New Year Honours December 2006 for services to Engineering and Technology Education • Member of Industrial Affiliates Network • Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts • Member of the Worshipful Company of Educators

Lydia J. Ward

Survivor, Trustee, Ambassador.

I was a client at Safeline for the best part of 3 years and have now been a volunteer Trustee of the Board for 8 years.  Safeline supported me when I thought I was all alone with how I felt, and no one would ever understand.  Safeline helped me change my life by helping me reconnect with who I really am, building my resilience, teaching me that vulnerability is my strength and not a weakness, allowing me to see I had a future, and that I was important because I mattered.  Safeline is breaking down the social taboo’s around sexual violence, rap and abuse and giving survivors the support and encouragement to find their voices.  I’m proud to be an Ambassador at Safeline because we change people’s lives, we give them back hope, we care, and we believe in them.

Web Link: https://youtu.be/ehTtJRHlk-0

Mark Davies

Finance Lead

I have lived in Warwickshire for over thirty years and came across Safeline during my year as High Sheriff of the County.  I was shocked by the extent of the problem of abuse and enormously impressed by what Safeline were doing to help victims of this.  I was honoured to be asked to become a trustee and have found my involvement worthwhile and humbling.

I am now retired, but my working life was in the financial industry in London and during that time I have been involved with a number of charitable organisations.  I was a trustee at The Rank Foundation, a large endowment fund that supports registered charities, for over twenty-five years.  I have been a trustee of a number of charities in the racing industry and am currently a trustee of World Horse Welfare.  I am also a Patron of Lifespace in Stratford upon Avon.

Richard Jenkinson

HR Lead

Originally from Nottinghamshire I’ve now spent 15 years as an HR professional, in increasingly senior roles for Virgin, Vodafone and Interserve. In summer 2019 I started a new HR leadership role at an international manufacturing company called a Rotork.

My areas of professional expertise are organisational design, leadership development, managing change and growth, reward, and executive coaching. I passionately believe that a strong people strategy can bring huge commercial and cultural benefits to any work environment.

Sue Thurlow

Clinical services and Safeguarding Lead

I provide a strong Clinical Background to Safeline. Originally trained in Social Work, I specialised in Child Protection, Fostering and Adoption Placements.

Ongoing studies included a Psychology degree and Counselling Diplomas including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Supervision Practice. I’ve held varied employment across Warwickshire and Coventry; Coventry City Council Adult Counselling Team, Coventry City College and Clinical Lead at Coventry University (Student Counselling and Mental Health Team) for over seven years.

Currently I have a private online practice which includes individuals, Medical Companies and Supervision of various Heads of Services in the Voluntary Sector. I have also volunteered over the years; Samaritans, Rape Crisis Centre, Centrepoint (Homeless Services) and a Vulnerable Young Women Project in Birmingham.

Cora-Laine Moynihan

Student

I first came to Safeline at the age of 13 as a client. I spent 3 years receiving tremendous support in the form of counselling, art therapy, and young people’s projects. Slowly but surely with the help of Safeline’s staff, I began to find my self-esteem and confidence again. Something I am forever grateful for! Safeline is a hidden gem that I hope more and more survivors are able to find and gain support from. They provide a safe space for all to recover, grow, and thrive. I’m honoured to be a part of the Board of Trustees and am proud of everything the charity does for survivors.

Sara Shoreman

I am delighted and privileged to join Safeline as a trustee. This year I reduced my hours to half time so feel now is the right moment to devote some time to Safeline, a charity that is close to my families heart. Safeline was founded by my Mum at her home in Warwick in 1994. I am very proud of what she has achieved, of the positive affect Safeline has made to so many lives and of how Safeline has grown and gone from strength to strength over the years.

I qualified as a nurse in Oxford in 1985 and have worked within the Community division of South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust since 1988 more recently as a Tissue Viability nurse supporting District nurses, GP practices,  Nursing and residential homes. In the past I have also been a governor to both a local school and our local hospital and I hope to bring that experience and knowledge to support Safelines ambitions aims and objectives as it moves forward.

Lydia Ward

Survivor, Trustee, Ambassador

I was a client at Safeline for the best part of 3 years and have now been a volunteer Trustee of the Board for 8 years.  Safeline supported me when I thought I was all alone with how I felt, and no one would ever understand.  Safeline helped me change my life by helping me reconnect with who I really am, building my resilience, teaching me that vulnerability is my strength and not a weakness, allowing me to see I had a future, and that I was important because I mattered.  Safeline is breaking down the social taboo’s around sexual violence, rap and abuse and giving survivors the support and encouragement to find their voices.  I’m proud to be an Ambassador at Safeline because we change people’s lives, we give them back hope, we care, and we believe in them.

Web Link: https://youtu.be/ehTtJRHlk-0

Janet Williams

Ambassador

I am lucky enough to have been a client of the wonderful Safeline counsellors and ISVAs. I am an Ambassador for Safeline as it gives me an opportunity to put something back, to raise awareness and to encourage other survivors to seek help. Safeline showed me that recovery is possible.

WebLink: http://www.recovery-from-child-sexual-abuse.org.uk/

Daniela Raytchev

Ambassador

Daniela Raytchev is a Slovakian/ Bulgarian multimedia artist currently residing in London, United Kingdom. Having studied at the world’s most prestigious art and design collages Central St. Martins College of Art and Design and London College of Fashion, Raytchev’s work has been getting international attention. In 2015 during Frieze Art Fair, she held a successful solo exhibition in London’s Notting Hill.  Raytchev has been mentioned in numerous national and international press such as the Times, News Week US, Dazed Digital, Huffington Post, Bullet Media.

Raytchev also participated in various group shows and science conferences around the world (UK, US, Russia) including group shows at Saatchi Gallery in London and the World Chess Hall of Fame Museum in St. Louis alongside renowned artists Yoko Ono, Barbara Kruger and Sophie Matisse. Her recent and upcoming collaborations include projects with King’s College Addiction Neuroscience Department, International Stress and Behavioural Society, a sound installation with renowned British musician Richard Strange.

“Supporting Safeline charity and the causes they support is very important to me. Being a survivor myself I know first-hand how important it is to heal and have a safe environment where you can get help and support. I also know there is so much expectation and stigma attached to sexual violence and being a victim/ survivor. It can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, or background… I love how Safeline’s team truly cares about everyone they help and the support they provide, including helping children and setting up a national male helpline, and it’s an honour to support them in any way I can.“

http://danielaraytchev.com/

https://youtu.be/Staogfw8QZ8

Córa-Laine Moynihan

Ambassador

I have been a Safeline Ambassador since the age of 13, when I first joined the charity as someone in need of support. Safeline provided me with a safe place to recover from traumatic experiences and to build my own confidence again and I will forever be grateful for that.

https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/coralainemoynihan

Amy Driver

Ambassador

I am a university student and a writer. My aim is to raise awareness for as much as I can, I use social media as a platform to spread awareness for different forms of abuse as well as providing a safe space for anyone who may be struggling and need someone to talk to. This is one of the reasons that I became a volunteer ambassador for Safeline, I want to spread the awareness and support even further. Sexual abuse and the impacts of it are not spoken about enough, however, those at Safeline are changing that. Safeline is an amazing charity, and I am more than proud to say that I am a part of the team.

https://www.instagram.com/the.lightt_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-d-8140b71b0/

Ethan MacLeod

Ambassador

I am a 19-year-old student at York University. I got involved with Safeline soon after I had established an online Instagram profile called Cycling to End Sexual Assault, with the aim that I could help those who may need it and the purpose of raising awareness about sexual violence. In future I intend to make this page into something bigger, using an opportunity to cycle round Europe as a chance to raise awareness, support people and expand the reach of people that I may be able to help.

https://youtu.be/vcIgSh18m38

https://www.instagram.com/cycling_to_end_sexual_assault/

Hafsa Begum

Ambassador

It’s an honour to say that I am an ambassador for Safeline and supporting the Education and Prevention Services team. My aim is to raise awareness about childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and rape, the impacts of abuse on children and young people and how this impacts people into adulthood. I hope to do this by discussing some of my personal story and using research to support my discussion on the effects of CSA. This is why I’m ecstatic to be an ambassador for Safeline as the services they provide are personalised, supportive and provide coping skills through a therapeutic, non-judgemental healing approach to survivors and show young people that regardless of the terrible things you have endured, it doesn’t have to define you. You can be powerful, bold, whole, loving and lovable, despite the negative effects of CSA. It may take a lot of internal work, but this can powerfully charge you and provide a great sense of direction. I heard that ‘life is 10% of what happens to you, and 90% is how you react to it.’ I find it fascinating that we can rewire our brain through neuroplasticity and be the change that we want to see in the world.

It may feel infuriating that sadly someone else’s actions has led to a total violation of your boundaries and privacy, acts which are seen as sacred that has been broken/taken away from you can leave you feeling powerless. This may influence your behaviour and many areas of your life including your relationships, education and work life, trusting people, feeling like you are not capable to do incredible things nor enjoying living your life. Investing time and effort to work on your mental and emotional health as a result of acts which were out of your control can seem unfair and unjust, but research by NSPCC (2011) prepared by Debra Allnock and Patricia Hynes Summary Report shows that people who receive counselling and therapy for sexual abuse and rape dramatically improve their life chances and opportunities, eliminating and reducing mental health issues and improving their self-confidence.

I have always felt passionate about the power and force of education. There have been times where I have attempted to gain support from professionals in education for what happened to me and sadly this wasn’t acted upon, demonstrating poor safeguarding measures. Therefore, I feel somewhat relieved and take pride in knowing that there is a greater focus on PHSE now within the National Curriculum. When I was in college, I received a lot of support and guidance from an incredible teacher. She was one of the key driving forces for me wanting to train as a teacher, as well as recognising the power and purpose this gave me and developing a genuine interest in the subject ‘Child Care and Education’. Education was a tool for me to be empowered, keep learning, challenging myself and the concept of power, control and oppression, examining my beliefs, a place to understand about children’s rights, social, economic and political rights and how social inequalities affect different parts of society.

Prior to attending college and University, I had a lack of confidence and self-esteem, mainly due to the nature of abuse I experienced which impacted on my educational achievements at school and led to further re-victimisation. A journal article published by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (2016) reveals that CSA is associated with adverse outcomes, such as heightened vulnerability leading to bullying, cyber-bullying, suicidal tendencies, increased anxiety and depression, addiction to excessive drinking and smoking, eating disorders and re-victimisation. This provides a brief outline of how CSA and rape can affect young people into adulthood which many of us can attest to.

I lacked enthusiasm for school subjects and became very disinterested. My self-esteem and worth suffered greatly. I believe that if I was encouraged and supported more to embrace certain subjects where I was able to express my emotions through this difficult time, I would have been able to enjoy the schooling process and my childhood better. Fortunately, I was able to change this through FE & HE and feel grateful that I was able to overcome these challenges to progress onto Universities. This happened by the incredible support that I received through the college teaching staff and support workers from the Refuge I resided at whilst I was in college before I moved to University. I am eternally grateful that such support was in place and have come to understand the need for essential services like this. However, this wasn’t easy. I first acknowledged what happened to me was deemed as unacceptable and wrong when I had to complete a safeguarding module as part of my college course. I pushed all my emotions, feelings and thoughts to a side after the class ended and mentally denied what happened, although it was influencing my behaviour and ‘eating me up inside’. I ended up disclosing what happened to a good friend, who helped me to seek support by going to the police. I was told that I can’t be helped as the abuse ‘is part of my culture’. This statement has lived with me since and left me feeling distrustful of public services. I think about the British Asian community and how women in particular may have been turned away due to people believing abuse and rape is part of our culture. This is shocking, excludes women’s voices from society and should not be condoned as part of anyone’s culture! This one incident represents how black and ethnic minority groups in the UK may face greater discrimination as there is a lack of willingness to understand the barriers to effectively support this group and their needs. This has led me to using an intersectional framework when looking at inequalities and injustices in society and has motivated me to explore the barriers that British South Asian Women experience in FE and HE for my Master’s dissertation.

Education is an incredible way to empower young people with tools and resources so they are equipped to manage traumatic life events. I believe that if there were more open discussions on challenging the common ideas around sex, healthy relationships, abuse, rape this could be a stepping stone to influencing young people who develop intrusive thoughts and teaching young people that this is not acceptable or appropriate. By normalising these discussions and putting shame and stigma to a side, we ensure young people have a platform to discuss these issues and make it clear that the abuser is responsible for their actions, not the person they harmed. This is one area Safeline is involved with, by implementing creative projects for young people such as script writing, drama projects etc so they have a platform to use their voice, share their experiences, learn new skills, develop resilience and learn to stay safe. Safeline also provides one-to-one support, counselling, helpline and online support. Author of Contemporary Debates in Education Studies by Marshall (2018) explicitly states that one of the main purposes of education is to reflect the current times of society, which includes adapting to contemporary times and events. With the rise of reported cases during lockdowns and scandals in the media eye, such as footballers sharing their stories, this has led to an increase in demands of helplines and services, more people are starting to talk about these societal problems and it is finally getting the attention it deserves. For too long, young people’s voices have been isolated and marginalised as they struggle to open up due to fear of not being believed and having their reality denied. It’s time that we continue to amplify these voices so they are heard which Safeline is doing beautifully through their social media pages, volunteers, staff and ambassadors.

By profession, I am an enthusiastic and passionate teacher. I have had the pleasure of working in a HE in FE setting, lecturing on Foundation and Top-up Degree programmes which has given me invaluable experience of working with adult students to safeguard and protect them from harm, including domestic violence, honour-based crimes including forced marriage and support adult survivors of CSA and rape. I was able to build strong rapports with students who shared their stories with me. It always felt like an honour to be part of their healing journeys, and although I didn’t go into teaching with the intention of focusing solely on these issues, I realised that this left me wanting to do more with survivors. Watching people who felt powerless and like they had no voice gain control and stability of their lives has been very rewarding. Completing a Master’s degree in Education, Globalisation and Social Change has exposed me to a range of local, national and international issues affecting children and young people and and equipped me with critical awareness of key issues enabling me to develop a ethical position in relation to education and social justice issues. Prior to this, I gained a PGCE (teacher training certificate) in Lifelong Learning and gained a lecturing post which reaped benefits in my personal and professional life. After completing my undergraduate study, I enjoyed the cultural immersion experience of living in China, teaching English as a foreign language and have been able to enjoy my ‘youth’. I share this insight in the hope that you too can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I currently have the pleasure of extending this by teaching online to both children and adults in Asia. My undergraduate degree was a BA Hons in Childhood and Youth Studies & Criminology, so you can see my interest is rooted in working with children, young people, understanding social injustices and being in powerful institutions such as education, the criminal justice system and the health and social care sector.

As a British Bangladeshi woman, I am proud to have overcome a lot of these challenges which can be more challenging when services have refused to support my needs because it has been perceived as cultural issues. I want to use my identity, life experiences and educational/professional experiences as a way to support black and ethnic minority groups in the UK, in particular the South-Asian community and Safeline is giving me the opportunity to do this. This has led to me to want to ensure I maintain a person-centred, child-centred approach in my line of work and apply a trauma-informed intersectional lens when supporting people who have been sexually abused and raped. This enables me to consider how race, gender, disability, religion, sexuality and class status affects people from seeking support and presents additional layers of complexity when trying to receive support from crucial services.

I have delivered an online seminar for Safeline which was gained several University student’s attention. I will continue to run a series of interactive workshops holding open conversations to keep the momentum and discussion on CSA alive and on-going. Being an ambassador for Safeline has been active, fun, engaging and rewarding as I’ve been given several opportunities to support people in these circumstances.

Instagram: @hafsalbegum