We’re shortlisted in the prestigious Charity Awards
We’re thrilled to announce that the Lotus Flower has been shortlisted in this year’s Charity Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the UK charity sector.
We are one of just four charities to have been nominated in the International Aid and Development category, in recognition of our Men and Boys’ Trauma project. As one of our newest initiatives, we started the project with our partners Khaima late last year and it proved so successful that we recently launched a second run. The project targets male refugees at Domiz 2 camp in Kurdistan, who have previously had little or no access to support services – especially any serving their mental health needs.
The project has been specially designed to encourage healing through discussion and exploration of the men and boys’ feelings following years of conflict and trauma. Activities include individual and group psychological counselling, art therapy, music, poetry and English classes, and the sessions aim to increase participants’ self-confidence and esteem, help tackle harmful stereotypes and behaviours, and crucially, show them that male refugees are not 'forgotten'. As one participant told us recently: “This project has helped me improve my skills, rebuild my life and become a better father to my kids, and a better husband to my wife.”
The project sees us approach key topics which have previously been taboo due to strict social customs, exploring masculinity, male social behaviours and gender tropes, and asking difficult and honest questions around gender-based violence, anger and domestic relationships.
Our Founder and CEO Taban Shoresh says: “Although we primarily support women and girl survivors, our groundbreaking project recognises that men and boys must not be left behind. They are victims of war too, and they must be included in humanitarian interventions if we are to ensure that women and girls can successfully rebuild their lives and move on from conflict.”
The Charity Awards are being judged by an independent panel of charity leaders, who have selected organisations which they believe have demonstrated outstanding best practice in leadership and management, and from which other organisations can learn.
Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media, which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated us on making the highly-coveted shortlist. He said: “The breadth and quality of the work being done by charities across the UK continues to astonish. The Lotus Flower should be very proud to have made the shortlist.
“For 22 years the Charity Awards have been identifying and celebrating the fantastic work that UK charities do. Our rigorous judging process highlights those charities with the most innovative ideas and the most effective approaches to delivering real change.”
The final awards will be announced at a black-tie dinner on 16 June, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Wish us luck!