Meet Riada Kullani!
She’s Stockton’s new Community Connector. She works to make sure some of the most vulnerable victims of crime, abuse and trauma are signposted to the right recovery services.
Among those to benefit will be victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, antisocial behaviour, exploitation and other forms of trauma.
The role has been made possible with a £15,000, one-off grant from Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) Protect and Support Fund.
Employed by Catalyst Stockton, Riada is based at the town’s Wellbeing Hub. However, she’ll organise outreach sessions to make sure she connects with some of the area’s more disadvantaged and isolated communities.
In addition to outreach, Riada will hold one-to-one sessions with victims. She will also refer into services and act as a victims’ advocate, making sure clients’ needs are met.
Previously, Riada worked as a Migration Project Coordinator at Catalyst. She works as a sessional worker with Refugee Futures – a role, which gives her the opportunity to work closely with and support the community.
Riada has also worked with Sheffield-based charity Ashiana, supporting people affected by modern slavery.
Her work across these organisations reflects a strong commitment to and focus on advocacy, empowerment and community work.
She said: “I ensure that victims and vulnerable people never feel abandoned. They know there’s someone, who truly cares and who will stand beside them.”
Wealth of Support
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “While there is a wealth of support available to victims in Cleveland, it’s no use to you if you don’t know what’s available and how to access it.
“That’s why I’m supporting a number of projects through my Protect and Support Fund, which are aimed at raising awareness of where victims of crime and antisocial behaviour can get help
“No victim should be left entirely without advice and support at one of the most traumatic times of their life.”
In addition to Riada’s work, specialist advisors will deliver Hate Crime Awareness Training to organisations across Stockton as part of the project. They will draw on the experiences of groups such as LGBTQ-Plus, ethnically diverse communities, older people and people with disabilities in the training.
Lucy Owens, Catalyst Chief Executive Officer, said: “Catalyst is proud to champion the incredible network of support services available in our borough.
“However, we recognise awareness alone isn’t enough, which is why we identified the need for a dedicated Community Connector – some-one, who can actively link individuals and communities with the vital support services that can change lives.
“Through initiatives like this, we aim to raise awareness of the incredible services available locally and make sure no one is left without help simply because they don’t know where to turn.”
The Community Connector is based at the Wellbeing Hub, in Wellington Square, Stockton on Tees. TS18 1RG
To contact Riada email [email protected] or call 01642 611922.