New Leaf became a registered charity in 2013.

The vision of its founder and continuing volunteer.

Hasmita (Hasy) 

Founder/Director of Friends of New Leaf

Hasy volunteered for another domestic abuse charity where she not only supported clients for 7 years but was also a vital member of their board of Trustees.

The valuable experience and knowledge that she gained throughout this time opened her eyes to a sector of women and children that were falling through the loopholes, by not meeting the criteria for the standard refuge accommodation. Thus, causing them to remain in an abusive relationship.

Being a successful woman in the world of property investment, Hasy decided to provide a property that fulfilled this need and has since gone on to provide vital respite accommodation for many individuals and families in Swale.

This innovative idea was the first of its kind in the UK and is just part of what makes the New Leaf Support Team unique.

Hasy now has as an amazing team that is expanding and growing with the charities needs and challenges. The team consists of Volunteers, Staff and a Board of Trustees.

Their immense experience in the field of Domestic Abuse and qualifications also include:

• Legal qualifications, family law and civil orders
• Housing legislation
• Benefit and Finances
• FGM and Immigration processes and laws
• Systematic Family Therapist
• Phoenix Programme trainers and facilitators
• And a vast array of practical skills to offer clients.

All of these are underpinned by a highly motivated and qualified support team, who obtain vital funding and donations to make our services possible.

Together we work as a team to offer the clients the highest quality of support and advice to break the chain of abuse, without judgement, or discrimination.

Assisting each client to turn over a New Leaf in their life.

Amanda

CEO

Since joining New Leaf Domestic Abuse Service as Manager in 2023, I have been promoted to CEO in Jan 2024, a privilege to be part of the amazing team.

My previous job roles included, Domestic Abuse Specialist for the Family Drug and Alcohol Court, throughout Kent. Working with Victim Support in London, I was a Senior IDVA across the boroughs of Bromley/Sutton and Croydon. I worked at Home-Start Shepway for 15 years, as a project coordinator for a charity.

I am a fully trained Safe Lives IDVA and Service Manager, also trained in Child Sexual Exploitation, Health and Social Care, Adult and Child Protection, MARAC, DASH Risk Assessment, Crisis Intervention and training of Volunteers.

I have also volunteered for the Appropriate Adult Service Young Lives Foundation, this was supporting children and young adults in ensure effective outcomes to vulnerable and disadvantaged people whilst in Police custody. I also volunteered for Kent Police as a Special Constable, my duties included the full powers of arrest, progressing my work to joining the Police Marine Unit.

On a personal note. I am mother to three children, my sons are in the military servicing abroad and my daughter and her partner has given me two wonderful granddaughters. I have lived in several countries and moved back to the UK 20 years ago, but still enjoy exploring the world on holidays.

Forums attended:

• Voluntary & Community Subgroup
• Swale MARAC
• Swale Domestic Abuse Group
• Phoenix Collaborators Group
• County Facilitators Meeting
• Strengthening Referrals Networking
• Swale Social Services & Early Help Team Meetings
• Kent & Medway Partnership Domestic Abuse Strategy

Sarah

New Leaf IDVA and Phoenix Facilitator

With over 20 years’ experience and ​knowledge working with survivors of ​Domestic Abuse. I have worked in many ​organisations supporting all those affected by Domestic Abuse regardless of their gender. ​

I am a qualified IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Adviser and have worked high ​risk cases working alongside police, social workers and other organisations.

My career pathway has included the DA Lead for Early Help team, the DA coordinator for Ashford Borough Council working with schools and women’s Refuges.

I was part of the collaboration team writing, delivering and training The Phoenix Programme and recently wrote a 12-week Empowerment programme which is delivered in women’s refuges in Kent.

Most recently I started my own company strength2strengthuk focusing on supporting survivors of DA and Empowering them to move forward.

Volunteers – 21

Volunteer Directors – 5

New Leaf Team – 4