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
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Volunteers
Using their digital skills to help spread the word about the Polly helpline:
Gaby Fraser
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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.
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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.