The History

Anawim has been working with women in Birmingham for the last 40 years. We were founded in 1986 by two pioneering nuns, Sister Magdalene Matthews and Sister Maisie Nevin, who moved into a red-light district in Balsall Heath. They decided to open their home as a drop-in centre to women in the local community who were involved in sex work and vulnerable to exploitation.

The Sisters were struck by the difference it made for women to have a safe space, a warm drink and a listening ear. A place they could go without fear of judgement, to meet other women who cared deeply about their wellbeing. Motivated by unconditional love, an appreciation of the value of every woman, and a commitment to helping people to live life to the full, the Sisters’ mission continues to inspire us. 

The Challenge

As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations we're launching the 40/40/40 challenge. We’re looking for 40 people to move for a mile a day - for 40 days - to help us mark our anniversary,

You can do it however you like, walk, jog, run, swim, cycle or something else. Just track an average of one mile every day from the 21st of June to the 31st of July 2026, and raise money for a great cause!

Anawim now

Over the years Anawim has grown – and continues to do so - and we now have around 70 staff. Last year was Anawim’s busiest, with 2,100 women accessing support and more than two-thirds had a caseworker. There are many ways to access our services, through our drop-in – which is open to any woman for any reason – courses, counselling or caseworker support. We offer holistic gender and trauma responsive care to any woman who comes through our doors. As well as our main centre in Balsall Heath we work in two prisons and a forensic mental health unit.

The benefit of this work goes beyond the women directly impacted. Our campaigning can influence government policy, our data is used in research papers, and every woman we work with is connected to many other people, all of whom could be affected by her. For example, when a woman goes to prison in 95% of cases her children will have to leave their home. Each woman diverted from prison is a family that could then stay together.