The Team
Meet the Team
At The Wish Centre, our work is delivered by a dedicated and highly skilled team of professionals, supported by strong governance and leadership. Together, we provide specialist, trauma-informed support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse across Blackburn with Darwen and beyond.
Leadership Team
Our Senior Leadership Team provides strategic direction and ensures the organisation continues to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality services.
Chief Executive Officer
Shigufta Khan
Shigufta has been with the organisation since 2007 and is an experienced practitioner, qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), and recognised expert in Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage. She also delivers specialist training locally and nationally.
Head of People & Culture
Steph Sayers leads on workforce development, wellbeing, and organisational culture, ensuring our staff are supported to deliver their best work.
Trustees
Our Board of Trustees brings a wealth of experience and expertise across safeguarding, health, social care, business, policy, and finance. The Board is made up of 7 Trustees and 2 co-opted members.
Our Chair has over 20 years of experience with the organisation and is a qualified Social Worker, providing strong safeguarding leadership and insight. Our Treasurer is a Chartered Accountant, ensuring robust financial oversight and accountability.
Together, the Board provides strategic guidance and governance to support the continued growth and effectiveness of The Wish Centre.
Our Specialist Staff Team
Our frontline services are delivered by a highly trained and diverse team of professionals, including:
- Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)
- Youth Workers
- Behaviour Change Practitioners
- Counselling and Wellbeing Practitioners
Our team has specialist expertise in domestic abuse, sexual violence, substance misuse, Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage, and youth support. We work in a trauma-informed way to ensure every individual receives the right support at the right time.
Behaviour Change Programme Team
We also deliver dedicated behaviour change programmes for individuals who have used abusive behaviour. Our practitioners bring extensive experience from policing, probation, education, health, and social care, supporting meaningful intervention and long-term change.
Refuge Team
Our Refuge team provides safe, supportive accommodation and specialist emotional support for women and children escaping domestic abuse. They focus on building confidence, safety, and independence for families rebuilding their lives.
Outreach Team
Our Outreach team works directly within the community, offering practical and emotional support to individuals and families in their own environments, helping to reduce risk and improve safety.
Practice Educator & Student Support
We are proud to have an onsite Practice Educator who supports social work students on placement and also provides additional crisis intervention support to individuals accessing our services.
Our Approach
Our strength lies in our people. The combination of professional expertise, specialist training, and lived experience across our team enables us to deliver a holistic, trauma-informed service that meets the complex needs of those we support.