Who We Are
Dignity First is a survivor-led Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales. We are based in Milton Keynes and work across the UK and The Gambia.
Survivor-Led
Founded by FGM survivor Anita Sosseh, with 10 years in the charity sector.
Cross-Border
Active in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, and The Gambia.
Community Interest Company
Our CIC registration with Companies House is in progress. Full transparency.
Community-Led
Every project is rooted in the communities it serves. No top-down decisions.
Our Projects
Six active projects across the UK and The Gambia. Each one addresses a specific, real need.
Life After FGM
What we do: Clinical advocacy, NHS records updating, trauma-informed counselling referrals, and peer support for FGM survivors.
Who it's for: Women and girls who have experienced FGM and are living with its long-term physical or psychological consequences.
Mentoring for Boys
What we do: Structured mentoring matching boys and young men with positive role models who support their growth and confidence.
Who it's for: Boys and young men aged 8 to 25 in Milton Keynes and The Gambia who need guidance, role models, and direction.
Community Outreach
What we do: Practical and pastoral support for older people, widows, and vulnerable community members, befriending, advocacy, and dignity care.
Who it's for: Older adults, widows, and isolated or vulnerable people in our communities.
Rising Daughters
What we do: Sponsorship programme keeping girls in education and protecting them from FGM and early marriage.
Who it's for: Girls in The Gambia who are out of school or at risk, supported through individual or group sponsorships.
The Well of Gratitude
What we do: Solar-powered clean water borehole providing zero-fuel-cost water to orphans and the wider village community.
Who it's for: Children at The Milad Project and the surrounding village community in The Gambia.
Safe Haven Home
What we do: A safe refuge for vulnerable women and girls in The Gambia.
Who it's for: Women and girls fleeing violence, trafficking, or forced marriage.
How Each Pathway Works
Whether you are a professional, a supporter, a survivor, or someone who simply wants to help, here is exactly what happens step by step.
If you want to partner with us
- 1Complete the Partnership Enquiry on our Get Involved page.
- 2We review within 5 working days.
- 3We arrange an introductory call to explore what we can build together.
- 4We agree terms and sign a simple partnership agreement.
- 5We begin working together and promote the partnership.
If you are a professional making a referral
- 1Choose the right form: Life After FGM, Mentoring for Boys or Community Outreach.
- 2Complete the professional referral form with the client's consent.
- 3We acknowledge within 2 working days.
- 4We contact the client in the way you have told us is safe.
- 5We keep you updated on the outcome with the client's permission.
If you are a survivor seeking support
- 1Complete a self-referral, you only share what you feel comfortable with.
- 2Tell us how and when it is safe to contact you.
- 3We reach out in exactly the way you have asked.
- 4We listen and explain the support we can offer.
- 5We connect you with the right services, clinical, peer, or advocacy.
What Happens After You Contact Us
No form disappears into a void. Here is our commitment to everyone who reaches out.
Emergency or urgent referrals
For referrals marked urgent or emergency, we aim to respond the same working day. For genuine emergencies, call 999 first.
All referrals and applications
Every referral form, volunteer application, and donation pledge receives a personal acknowledgement within 2 working days.
Partnerships and sponsorships
We review all partnership and sponsorship applications and respond with a proposed next step within 5 working days.
Your updates and impact reporting
Donors, sponsors, and partners receive regular project updates: photos, milestones and honest accounts of how things are progressing.