​Charity recognised for life-saving work it does with ethnic minority women experiencing mental health problems

Edinburgh-based Saheliya has scooped Charity of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards 2016.

Its service for black and ethnic minority women supports those experiencing mental health issues caused by trauma and oppressive cultural practices such as forced marriage.

Judges deemed the project a worthy winner having worked with 936 women - including asylum seekers and refugees - from 39 different countries over the last year. It also successfully launched a social enterprise nursery this year in a bid to develop its own social enteprise income.

Judges were impressed by its wellbeing service and learning centre which develops employability skills.

We send a big thank you to our dedicated and hardworking staff and volunteers - Pervin Ahmed

Pervin Ahmed of Saheliya: “We would like to say how delighted we are to win this prestigious award and to send a big thank you to our dedicated and hardworking staff and volunteers in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“We would also like to thank our funding and strategic partners for their continued support enabling us to develop our services over the last year.”

Shulah Allan, Convener of Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), which organises the awards, added: “I’m in awe of all the finalists and winners.

"Thanks to their efforts, more people in Scotland are receiving the support they need when they need it and we’re all more aware of important issues, and causes, which affect vulnerable people, and us all.”