Polly was started by the founder of CALM, a helpline for men and boys. It was through this work that the need for a helpline for women was identified. The creative agency Truant helped create a brand for Polly, and with the support of incredible women and Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the helpline ran for a four month pilot in Manchester under the fantastic leadership of Isolyn Donaldson-Ellison.
Board
Jane Powell, Co-Founder
Annette Lewis
Hayley Brewer
Volunteers
Using their digital skills to help spread the word about the Polly helpline:
Gaby Fraser
Advisory Committee
Giving valuable insight into the support needed by young women today:
Afnan Sadani
Kiya Hornby
Laura Johnson
Maria Obregon
Helpline Principles
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The service will provide free, confidential, anonymous support, information and signposting, no-one will be turned away.
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The service is for any girl or woman age 11 / secondary school age in the UK down or in crisis, and anyone who feels the helpline is best suited to their gender identity
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The service is non-judgmental and will be caller led.
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All calls will be taken and no caller will be turned away, but men and boys calling the line will be encouraged to use other helplines in future.
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The service will adhere to robust and transparent policies to ensure appropriate safeguarding.
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Confidentiality will be broken if there is an imminent risk to the caller or to others.
Our Vision
We want to offer a free and confidential helpline for every woman and girl in the UK.
To empower women and girls to take action and get the support they need.
And add Polly's voice to the women's sector to strengthen the sector's influence, and and influence change, so that women and girls can live fulfilled lives with respect and dignity.