Local charity tackling Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Government Minister, Lynne Featherstone with NESTAC founder Peggy Mulongo, volunteers and FGM survivors

A Rochdale charity, NESTAC (New Step for the African Community), works locally to tackle Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The charity was visited in October last year by Government International Development Minister, Lynne Featherstone, during her visit she met victims of FMG and said: “The work of NESTAC to get youth ambassadors, to involve members of the community and to support survivors to actually work within their communities really is the answer because it is from within and it is people who can speak with a real voice.”

The government is taking a wide range of action to end FGM in the UK and Africa and to protect victims through legislation and non-legislative work.

As well as directly helping victims, NESTAC works to raise awareness of the issue of genital mutilation and runs bespoke training sessions for front line personnel such as healthcare practitioners and schools. Projects include the SOS (Support our Sisters) clinic at St Mary’s Hospital and other joint-working initiatives alongside local health and well-being practitioners.

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner has called on communities to take a stand against the "barbaric practice of female genital mutilation". He said: “Female genital mutilation is a barbaric practice that has no place in the 21st Century. It is child abuse."

The NSPCC has a free 24-hour advice and support line for anyone who is worried about a child being or becoming a victim. The number is 0800 028 3550. People can also email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk in confidence.