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Freedom from Torture is dedicated to the rehabilitation and therapeutic care of survivors of torture who have fled to the UK seeking sanctuary, working also to protect and promote their rights. It has treatment centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow and is developing a new presence in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Survivors of torture and organised violence at Freedom from Torture鈥檚 five treatment centres have often stood up to appalling violence and intimidation with great bravery. Most have been targeted because of their ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality or political stance. All have been subjected to savage physical, sexual or psychological violence at the hands of others. The psychological impact of torture is immense and long-lasting.

There are no quick fixes for the devastating consequences of torture. The complex听needs of survivors are often beyond the scope of one professional and can require a holistic approach and a coordinated team effort, for many months or even years. At Freedom from Torture everything possible is done to help survivors rebuild their lives.

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Since its inception in 1985, known then as the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, more than 50,000 individuals have been referred for help. Last year, Freedom from Torture received referrals from more than 80 different countries, with the largest numbers coming from Iran, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organisation helped more than 1,600 survivors - men women and children - to piece their lives back together.

Thandie Newton and fellow actors with Kolbassia, a former client and coordinator of network in the therapy garden.

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The SSO network is composed of former clients of Freedom from Torture who speak out against torture and raise awareness of its use and the impact it has on people who have suffered it.