Speak to a counsellor.
Through our partnership with Headstrong Counselling, eligible Black women across the UK can have a complimentary, sponsored initial assessment and counselling support. Every assessor and therapist is fully qualified and trained to support you in a culturally appropriate way.
Not sure whether you qualify? See who our counselling is for.
Who our counselling is for
Our sponsored counselling is for Black and dual-heritage women, inclusive of cis, trans and gender-expansive people, of African and/or Caribbean heritage.
The Black diaspora is wide and varied. If you were born or raised on another continent and now live in the UK, please reach out too.
You need to be based in the UK to have sessions through Headstrong Counselling.
If you are not sure whether you qualify, email support@protectblackwomen.com or call our helpline and we will talk it through with you.
How it works
Check you are eligible
Read who our sponsored counselling is for. If you are unsure, email or call us.
Book your sponsored assessment
Choose a time online with Headstrong Counselling. Your initial assessment is complimentary.
Your assessment
You talk with a qualified assessor about what you need, and they match you with the therapist best suited to you.
Your counselling sessions
Your sponsored sessions begin with your therapist. Every assessment and counselling session is confidential.
Sponsored counselling, so far.
Through our partner Headstrong Counselling, we sponsor counselling for Black women with Black and racialised therapists.
- Clients supported
- 193
- Counselling sessions
- 810
- Black and racialised therapists
- 65
- Assessments
- 285
£290 can sponsor a course of therapy for one woman.
Give towards the next courseOur helpline
Our helpline is here for Black women who have experienced misogynoir, racial discrimination and adversity.
Our listeners offer empathic listening and understanding: a supportive space where your experiences and feelings are acknowledged and validated. We can also guide you towards other services that can support you further.
Misogynoir is the particular hatred and prejudice directed at Black women, where racism and sexism meet. The term was coined by Dr Moya Bailey.
Call the helpline0000 000 0000
Confidential
All conversations with our helpline are confidential. Your personal details, what you share and the nature of your call are kept private, unless you authorise otherwise or the law requires it.
You can stay anonymous
You do not have to give your name or any identifying information unless you choose to.
Trained volunteers
All our listeners are trained volunteers. The helpline does not give medical, legal or mental health advice.
Not a crisis service
We are unable to take calls about suicide or severe distress. If you are in immediate crisis, or worried about someone else, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. You can call Samaritans, any time, on 116 123, or the NHS on 111.
I have felt totally secure and supported through the exploratory process of counselling.
Your questions
Who are the therapists?
Every assessor and therapist working with us through Headstrong Counselling is fully qualified and trained to support clients in a culturally appropriate way. Our network includes 65 Black and racialised therapists.
Is it confidential?
Yes. All assessment and counselling sessions are confidential. You can read Headstrong Counselling's confidentiality policy and terms of service.
Do I need to live in the UK?
To have sessions through Headstrong Counselling, you need to be based in the UK. If you were born or raised elsewhere and now live here, you are welcome to reach out.
Does it cost anything?
Your initial assessment is complimentary, sponsored through PBW. Your assessor will talk you through what happens next, including your counselling sessions.
What if I am not sure I qualify?
Email support@protectblackwomen.com or call our helpline. We will talk it through with you.
Donate
£67,542
raised towards our £100,000 goal for sponsored counselling
£290 can sponsor a course of therapy for one woman. Every gift goes towards the next.