Support Groups, Forums & Other Services
Support Groups
SLAPWA runs peer support groups for people with albinism, and where relevant their carers, in four areas of the country: Freetown, Bo in the South, Kono in the East and Makeni in the North. There is an additional Women and Girls Support Group in Freetown (led by the Gender Officers).
Groups meet every two months, offering friendship, support, advice and access to sunscreen, whilst creating community and reducing social isolation. Everyone impacted by albinism is invited to join the support groups.
The support groups are a key distribution mechanism for the sun protection clothing, hats, umbrellas and sunglasses that SLAPWA secures from partners.
The female-only Support Group in Freetown provides essential support for women and girls, developing strategies and partnerships of support around issues such as domestic violence, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), setting up businesses to support the family etc. The group proactively seek out and welcome new mothers with babies with albinism through SLAPWA’s links with the Freetown hospitals.
‘Living Safely with Albinism’ Forums
SLAPWA delivers regular ‘Living Safely with Albinism’ forums in town and cities across the country. Sessions involve presentations and facilitated discussions to provide accurate information about skin and eye care and to distribute donated cream, along with sun-protection hats and donated protective clothing. We also address the personal safety and the bullying of people with albinism and offer strategies of support. These events create community and enable peer-support, reducing isolation for members. From these sessions we make regular referrals to the skin clinic.
The Forums are larger sessions than the Support Groups, taking place less regularly and when funds are available. Transport refunds are typically offered to ensure that people can attend. If you would like to sponsor one of these valuable Forums, please reach out to the Director at SLAPWA at slapwa.sl@gmail.com.
Visitors are welcome
We have our Head Office in Freetown (see image here of the signboard on Station Road; we are located up the hill) and small teams based in Makeni and in Bo, coordinating activities and volunteers in the provinces.
Address
34D Off Station Road, Furniture, Mayeimi Barracks, Allen Town, Freetown
Helpline
00232 76429890
The Director: slapwa.sl@gmail.com
Social
Resources
Our guide for people with albinism in Sierra Leone, aimed at both people with albinism and those who care for them, is available below for downloading and paper copies can be collected from our office.
Our educational resources are available for downloading at School Work and Resources, and hard copies are available from our office.
Albinism Booklet for Teachers
Understanding Albinism
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