Assia has worked in community development for over 17 years and is passionate about working with communities and grassroot charities. Her experience has included supporting a wide variety of cultural groups and communities, being their advocate, supporting victims of domestic abuse and honour based abuse, dealing with issues around racial discrimination, and enabling BAME groups and Asylum Seekers to raise their voices and helping them to link with others, including with statutory bodies. She loves collaborating, sharing knowledge and expertise with groups, and creating an atmosphere of trust within communities. Assia holds a level 4 diploma in Therapeutic counselling. Outside of work, Assia loves going out, trying different types of food (especially Indian and Italian), playing and coaching netball, gardening, travelling, and going for walks in nature for the inspiration and beauty.