Our Story
HERSANA CIC (formerly known as The ASKFirst Campaign) was founded in 2016 by survivor and Black feminist, Christabel Yeboah, to raise awareness around rape culture and advocate for survivors of sexual violence.
Can I be honest with you? At the time, we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. We didn't have a business plan. We weren't even registered. All we knew is that we wanted to create the safe spaces we wish we had. We wanted to radiate a small amount of light to the millions of women and girls who felt like we did - so that's exactly what we did.
For four years, the project reached out to thousands of women and girls in England, Germany and Ghana. Our journey was a reel adorned with memories, realities and endless opportunities. The reality of that was and still is that there are many Black women and girls who will not have the opportunity or the privilege to access safe spaces designed by them, for them and with them in mind. We wanted to bridge that gap and be a catalyst for change.
After five years, in 2020, we launched the first National Gender-Based Violence Support Service for Black women and girls [femmes*].
HERSANA CIC, a not-for-profit organisation working to end violence against women and girls in all its forms whilst providing intersectional trauma-informed support to Black femmes who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing any form of gender-based violence by providing holistic therapy services, independent advocacy, cultural-sensitive outreach, specialist training and workshops, and creative practical support services.
Our History
2024: Today and Beyond
Strengthening Support Systems: As of today, HERSANA continues to develop innovative ways to support survivors, refine our programs based on community feedback, and work tirelessly to fill the service gaps for Black women and girls in the UK.
Commitment to Advocacy: We are actively working on new campaigns to address systemic injustices, and our partnerships continue to grow as we seek widespread, lasting change.
Vision for the Future: We remain driven by our original mission while evolving to meet the needs of our community, with plans to expand services, reach more survivors, and shape policies that protect and uplift all victims of abuse.
2024
HERSANA partners with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to deliver Community Bystander Intervention Workshops.
2023
HERSANA celebrates its first SANA Fest at the Battersea Arts Center.
2023
HERSANA introduces The SANA Boutique service, offering new clothing and home goods to survivors, with a focus on privacy and accessibility.
2022
HERSANA launches the Survivor Advisory Board and expands its survivor-led initiatives, ensuring that its services are guided by the voices and needs of those they serve.
2021
HERSANA partners with organisations across the UK to strengthen the support network for Black survivors and to advocate for systemic change.
2021
HERSANA receives PCC commissioning.
2020
HERSANA launches the 24/7 Live Chat.
2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HERSANA rapidly expands ts virtual support offerings, ensuring that survivors can still access essential services.
2020
HERSANA launches the first national gender-based violence support service for Black femmes.
2019
HERSANA launches its first series of support programs.
2019
The organisation formally becomes ‘HERSANA CIC’.
2018
The ASKFirst Campaign works in partnership with the British Refugee Council to deliver workshops to for refugees and people seeking asylum.
2017
The ASKFirst Campaign designs and delivers healthy relationship workshops for the National Citizen Service.
2016
The ASKFirst Campaign travels across the country to talk to university students about safety, healthy relationships and consent
2016
The ASKFirst Campaign is founded to raise awareness around rape culture and advocate for survivors of sexual violence.
2014
A group of students get together to talk about their diverse experiences of abuse.
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