Faith to Faithless volunteer Lya was nominated for the Helpline Partnership’s Volunteer of the Year award, and won! The award was presented to Lya at the annual Helpline Awards, held on 7 November in Birmingham, and commends Lya for her contribution to the helpline sector. Faith to Faithless is a programme at Humanists UK dedicated to providing specialist support to people leaving high control religion. Humanists UK offers its warm congratulations.
The Helplines Partnership is the national membership body for organisations that provide information, support, or advice via phone, email, text, or online. Each year it holds the Helpline Awards to celebrate unsung heroes and recognise the exceptional work of the helpline sector. By giving Lya (who prefers only her first name is used for her safety) this award, the Helpline Partnership has recognised the remarkable contributions she has made in providing outstanding support, guidance, and compassion to those in need.
The Faith to Faithless helpline, a dedicated helpline for those leaving high-control religions, was launched earlier this year. Currently operating three days a week, it is operated by a team of highly trained volunteers who understand the nuanced challenges faced by groups such as ex-Muslims, ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses, ex-Evangelicals, and ex-Mormons. They are equipped to listen to and understand the unique issues apostates face, providing a listening ear and signposting to other services where needed.
Humanists UK Director of Humanist Care Clare Elcombe Webber said:
‘We are so proud of Lya and absolutely delighted that her hard work, dedication and expertise are recognised not only by Faith to Faithless service users, but also by the Helplines Partnership. We are also proud of all the other volunteers who have contributed so much to the Faith to Faithless helpline over its first year and made it such a resounding success.
‘The need for the Faith to Faithless helpline cannot be underestimated. Our team of volunteers are there for people leaving high-control religious communities who may be facing social isolation, profound loneliness and economic hardship, at great cost to their mental wellbeing.
‘While we celebrate Lya’s contributions, we have to stay focused on the ongoing challenge of keeping this crucial service resourced so that we can continue to be here for some of the most vulnerable people in the country.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK’s Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Read our news item on the launch of the Faith to Faithless helpline.
Read more about the Faith to Faithless Helpline.
Read more about Faith to Faithless.
Faith to Faithless is a programme at Humanists UK dedicated to providing specialist support to people leaving high control religion. Beyond the helpline and its year-round provision of peer support from trained volunteers, the service offers awareness training to public services, including NHS divisions and police forces.
Faith to Faithless operates under a stringent safeguarding policy, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of all those reaching out for support.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.