It was a privilege to attend the launch of Haus of Respect at The City Rooms, Leicester, organised by The Vayyu Foundation / UHUMANS on 31st May 2026.
(Divya, Operational Manager at FTA Fashion Hub Leicester attending Haus of Respect)
The event brought together community leaders, organisations, businesses, and stakeholders who are committed to promoting equality, inclusion, respect, and opportunities for everyone. It was inspiring to see so many individuals and organisations united around the shared goal of creating safer and more supportive communities.
We are incredibly proud of Reshma Desai and Mumtaz Patel for their courage in speaking openly about the sensitive issue of domestic abuse and host this first ever event. The event featured an outstanding panel of speakers, including Sandra Pollock, Sandy Verma, Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan and Grace Richardson, who shared valuable insights on leadership, empowerment, and community support.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was hearing Katty Longhurst share her deeply personal story. Her journey of survival, resilience, and healing was both emotional and inspiring. Her courage in speaking out and helping others understand the realities faced by survivors left a lasting impact on everyone in the room.
A huge congratulations to the organisers, Reshma Desai and Mumtaz Patel, as well as all the speakers, advocates, and attendees who came together to raise awareness, promote respect, and support survivors. Through collective action, we can help create safer, stronger, and more compassionate communities for all.
As an organisation, Fashion Technology Academy recognises the importance of supporting our learners and colleagues by creating awareness, building trust, and fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to speak openly on domestic absue. We believe in listening without judgement, respecting confidentiality, and ensuring that those who share their experiences feel heard, supported, and empowered to access the help they need.