Black Women's Project Referral

This referral route is for 1-to-1 counselling as well as group therapy and group psychoeducation workshops. When filling out the form below, please tick the option that best suits the service you’d like to access.

Who Can Access This Service

We welcome women who:

Are from Black British, African, and Caribbean heritages
Are based in Islington
Are over 18

Receive benefits-level income (with some exceptions, see ACCEPT Criteria below)

Are not currently attending another counselling, psychotherapy service or being seen at an outpatient such as a psychiatrist

We prioritise inclusion and diversity and welcome women who:

Have experienced domestic or sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse, or harmful practices such as honour violence

Are from minoritised communities and have faced racism, discrimination, or social exclusion

Are from refugee backgrounds and have experienced trafficking or other human rights abuses

Are from migrant backgrounds and may not have English as their first language

Identify as LGBTQ+

Not an Islington Resident?

Although the Black Women’s Project is specifically for residents of Islington, our other services can be accessed by women who live in North London Boroughs; Barnet, Camden, Enfield (inc. Edmonton & Southgate), Hackney, Haringey & Islington.

When a Referral Might Not Be Suitable

Sometimes we may need to postpone or decline a referral, such as if a woman:

Has a current substance use issue, severe eating disorder or severe mental health diagnosis (If you have a mental health diagnosis such as EUPD, schizophrenia, PTSD, from a consultant or psychiatrist – please include this on the referral form).

Is seeking counselling for a court case or is court-mandated for therapy

Is currently living with a perpetrator of domestic or sexual abuse

Is attending therapy to obtain letters for things like PIP applications or other state benefits. Therapists cannot provide support letters except for confirming a client was in therapy and the related dates of the therapy

Has not fully completed the referral form. Please try to complete every section, as this information helps us understand your needs, ensure your safety, and match you with the right counsellor.

What to Expect

An assessment does not guarantee counselling, but we will work with you to find the best support, either at the Maya Centre or another service.

If you have mobility or accessibility needs, please let us know in your referral so we can plan accordingly.