ROSHNI - A RAY OF LIGHT FOR ABUSE VICTIMS
(3 May 2004)

Roshni, a new charitable organisation that has been established to help Black & Ethnic Minority children and young people who are victims of abuse, will provide a ray of "light" in helping them to lead a normal life. The charity, established by members of Scotland's Black and Ethnic community, will create an organisation that exists to understand the specific needs and requirements of Black & Ethnic children and young people.

A Board of Directors carries out the strategic management of the organisation. An advisory group consisting of members from the legal, medical, academic, social services and importantly from other children's charities such as Children 1st, NSPCC and Childline Scotland will offer key support.

A key aim of Roshni will be ensure that through its work, children and young people from the Black & Ethnic communities who are victims of any form of abuse are aware and have access to all the services they require, and the services are sensitive to cultural and religious issues.

Roshni intends to achieve its objectives through the following methods:

• Support and advisory telephone links
• Interactive website, providing a gateway to information and services
• Joint research in primary and secondary schools in partnership with key agencies
• Training for child abuse counsellors in other organisations focusing on cultural and religious aspects

Membership of Roshni is open to anyone who has an interest in ensuring that the needs of children and young people from the Black & Ethnic minorities are given a prominent voice. Roshni's research and educational activities will start with the Pakistani, Indian and Chinese communities in Scotland and then expand to the rest of the UK.

Roshni's vision is to:

• Equip children and young people from the Black & Ethnic community with the confidence and trust to access existing support services.
• Work in partnership with all main support agencies.
• Raise awareness of child abuse issues amongst all age groups within Black & Ethnic communities.
• This is an issue, which is rife within all communities however Roshni will provide each and every one of us the opportunity to get involved and help by both volunteering and providing financial support.

An official launch date has been confirmed for the 20th August 2004 at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow. Limited tickets are available. Please visit www.roshni.org.uk for further information.