On March 5th, we held a special open evening to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 and to honour the memory of Annabel Rook, the late cofounder of MamaSuze. The event included a room naming ceremony to make sure Annabel’s warmth, joy, and spirit will always remain part of The Maya Centre’s work.

During the evening, guests were invited to learn more about our services. They took part in short taster workshops in drama, art, and complementary therapies. They also heard presentations about our specialist programmes, which support women’s mental health and wellbeing.

At The Maya Centre, we offer free, culturally sensitive counselling to women on low incomes in 13 different languages. Many of these women face challenges such as gender based violence, discrimination, and difficulties in everyday life. For more than 40 years, we have helped thousands of women feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Over 85% of the women we support have survived domestic abuse or other kinds of violence against women and girls. We provide a safe space where women can begin to heal and rebuild their lives through therapy and holistic support.

Annabel Rook’s family were in attendance at the event as the new room name and plaque were revealed. With Peter Rook – Annabel’s dad, sharing in a heartfelt speech “I just want to thank The Maya Centre, we lost our wonderful beautiful daughter and we’ll never get over that but to hear about your work, to hear that Annabel was working with you and how she shared your values, really does help. To know that her spirit will live on here is a great comfort.”

Annabel cofounded MamaSuze in 2021 to bring creativity, hope, and community to women and children who have survived forced displacement and genderbased violence. By naming the room after her, The Maya Centre hopes to honour her memory and keep her mission alive.

The partnership between The Maya Centre and MamaSuze began in 2024. Together, we created 12 week art therapy programmes and psychoeducation groups for refugee and asylum seeking women, funded by the MOPAC Grassroots Fund. These sessions gave women a safe space to explore their emotions, share experiences, and strengthen their wellbeing.

Maya Centre CEO Gona Saed declared:
“Today, as we honour Annabel Rook, we remember not only her courage and dedication but also the countless women whose lives have been affected by violence. At The Maya Centre, we are committed to creating safe spaces where women can heal, find their voice, and reclaim their strength. Her legacy lives on in every woman who dares to hope again.”

This year at The Maya Centre, we’re using International Women’s Day to renew our commitment to ending violence against women and girls. We also want to celebrate the resilience and strength of women everywhere. Annabel’s memory continues to inspire our promise to support women recovering from domestic abuse and to help them improve their wellbeing.

MamaSuze today continues to be a joyful and safe space for women who have survived forced displacement or gender based violence. Through creative arts, caring casework, and a supportive community, the charity helps women build confidence, find hope, and reconnect with themselves.

Annabel Jane Rook (1979–2025) spent 20 years using theatre to lift people up. She believed in helping others with passion, purpose, and kindness. Those who knew her remember the light she brought into every room, and they continue her work with the same courage and heart.