About us · The Trauma Healing Collective

Why we exist

There is chaos around the women… the women are not chaotic.

The systems meant to protect women and girls from violence, trauma and abuse are often not built for Muslim, Black and Asian communities.

So we made a space that is. It is designed for and by women from these communities, and led by practitioners with lived experience (they understand trauma from the inside).

Our support is tailored and holistic (it cares for the whole person). Together, we turn chaos into calm.

What makes us different

Led by women from our communities

The Collective is led by Muslim, Black and Asian women. Our safe spaces are designed for and by the women who use them.
Your faith and culture, respected

You will talk to someone who understands your culture and your faith. Between us, we speak English, Urdu, Punjabi, Pahari and Somali.
We go at your pace

We believe women and follow your lead. We understand how trauma affects people, so nothing is rushed. Share only what you want to.

Our team

Meet the seven women on our team.

KL

Kamillah (Janet) Lacey

Director and founder

Community Champion, Women of Inspiration Awards 2024
Our founder. A trauma support specialist with more than 25 years of work with women, girls and young people.
More about Kamillah
- Accredited advanced practitioner in sexual exploitation and abuse
- Certified brain development coach
- Her 25 years of work have been in Muslim, Asian and Black communities
- Designs and delivers our training
- Specialist trauma practitioner
- Child adversity and trauma trainer
- Parenting and child development
Her longstanding commitment to supporting women, girls, families and communities has been recognised locally through the 2024 Women of Inspiration Awards, where Kamillah was honoured as a "Community Champion" in recognition of her contribution and work within the community. This recognition reflects her continued dedication to raising awareness, challenging stigma and creating meaningful opportunities for healing, empowerment and positive change.
AS

Joanna (Amatullah) Salmon

Director
Runs the Collective's administration. Call or WhatsApp her on 07568 299 554.
More about Amatullah
- Accredited FGM trainer (FGM is female genital mutilation)
- Designated safeguarding officer
- More than 10 years of experience
- Delivers Rock Pool Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit programmes
- IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage) certified infant massage instructor, helping women who have experienced trauma, bond with their children.
Sandra (Aminah) Thompson

Director

Director, Mental Health First Aider and befriender.
MR

Maryam Rashid

Arts and design worker
Makes our workshop books, illustrations and flyers.
More about Maryam
- The youngest on our team
- Joined us through our youth activities
- A trained befriender
FA

Farhia Abdirizaq

Assistant practitioner
More than 3 years in NHS mental health, in crisis and community settings.
More about Farhia
- Speaks English and Somali
- Trauma-informed: she understands how trauma affects people
- Blends holistic therapy with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy, a talking therapy)
SI

Shaheen Iqbal

Befriender and translator
Speaks English, Urdu, Punjabi and Pahari.
More about Shaheen
- A trauma-informed interpreter
Khadija Bint Aftab

Lead volunteer and trainee

Leads and supports our volunteer team, and is training to become a practitioner.

More about Khadija

Khadija began her journey with The Trauma Healing Collective as a volunteer, supporting our holiday clubs and youth services. Through her dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting children, young people and families, she has grown into an important part of the TTHC team.

She is now our Lead Volunteer, where she helps support and coordinate our wider volunteer team and contributes to the delivery of our community programmes and services.

Khadija is currently undertaking training to become a Trainee Practitioner, developing her knowledge and skills in trauma-informed and holistic approaches to support.

Around us is a wider circle of advisors, Mental Health First Aiders, volunteers and trained befrienders. Would you like to join them?

Becoming a Befriender

In their words

Shared with permission. Names are never published.

I'm incredibly grateful for the safe and affirming space this course provided. As an Asian woman navigating trauma and anxiety, it's rare to find a therapeutic space that acknowledges and respects the intersections of my identity, culture and lived experiences.

1:1 Anxiety Therapy Course

This course came at a time when I felt stuck in my healing. It helped me understand how trauma was showing up in my body and relationships, and how to start letting go of shame and guilt I had carried for so long. I felt seen and understood, especially as a Black woman raised in a community where mental health isn't openly discussed. I now have healthier boundaries, more self-awareness, and hope for my future.

Moving On After Trauma Course

Very informative: how trauma is created, positive parenting, attachments and buffering. Great lesson!

The Developing Child Workshop

The trauma course was so informative and had so many gems that often left me reflecting on my parenting style. It didn't feel like we were being talked to; we were an important part of the learning. All mothers, or people who work with young people, should definitely do it. Let aunty help you break that cycle.

The Developing Child Workshop

We take our breathing for granted and don't utilise this amazing gift that we have been blessed with. I really benefited from taking the time to relax and just breathe.

Body Breathing Course

As a Muslim woman, it's rare to find a healing space where faith, culture and trauma are all acknowledged and respected. This course helped me move through the pain I thought I had to keep silent about. The sessions were gentle but powerful. They helped me process grief, rebuild trust in myself, and begin to reconnect with who I am beyond the trauma.

Moving On After Trauma Course

I recommend this course to any Muslim woman or girl who is looking for healing in a space that understands her deeply, culturally, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you for helping me begin this journey with compassion and strength.

1:1 Anxiety Therapy Course

What stood out to me most was how safe and understood I felt during every session. As a South Asian woman, I've struggled to find therapy that makes space for my culture and identity. This did. I learned tools that helped calm my nervous system, set boundaries and rebuild trust in myself.

Holistic Trauma Therapy Sessions

I wasn't sure if this space would be the right fit since I'm not Muslim, Asian or Black, but I couldn't have felt more safe, seen and respected. From day one, my therapist made me feel completely at ease. I finally feel like I'm moving forward with more clarity, strength and self-trust.

Holistic Trauma Therapy Sessions

I really enjoyed it. It was daunting at first but you eased us into it, and the atmosphere with the group was very positive and engaging.

The Developing Child Workshop

These holistic trauma sessions gave me something I didn't know I was missing: healing that connected my mind, body and spirit. For the first time, I felt like I could breathe fully and exist without apology. My therapist honoured my cultural background, my faith and my story with such care.

Holistic Trauma Therapy Sessions

The 1:1 format made a huge difference. It allowed me to explore my anxiety at a pace that felt manageable, without pressure or judgment. My therapist was not only professional and knowledgeable, but also culturally sensitive and trauma-informed. She took the time to understand how my background, family dynamics, faith and societal pressures influenced my mental health, and this was deeply validating.

1:1 Anxiety Therapy Course