Sistah Space is “slowly returning to normal service” after it temporarily closed due to safety concerns for its service users and staff.
Ngozi Fulani, the charity’s founder, reported receiving online abuse after sharing on social media that she was repeatedly asked where she was “really” from at a royal reception in November.
The charity posted on social media that Fulani was “still processing” the abuse she received, but was “focusing on victims of domestic abuse and racism”.
Meanwhile, the Charity Commission recently confirmed it would not be opening a compliance case into Sistah Space, after concerns were flagged with the regulator over the charity’s governance and finances, including late filing of accounts.
A spokesperson for the regulator said: “We have carefully reviewed and assessed concerns raised about Sistah Space, and, as a result, have written to the trustees to provide regulatory advice and guidance that will help them in the running of their charity.
“This includes advice around how to prepare annual accounts, and the importance of filing these on time, as well as around managing any conflict of interest. We will assess any further concerns that are raised with us about this, or any charity.”
Lady Susan Hussey, who had been a close confidante of the Queen, met the Sistah Space charity boss at an event about domestic and sexual abuse of women.
She has since met Fulani to apologise and Buckingham Palace put out a statement afterwards saying: “Fulani, who has unfairly received the most appalling torrent of abuse on social media and elsewhere, has accepted this apology.
“The royal households will continue their focus on inclusion and diversity, with an enhanced programme of work which will extend knowledge and training programmes, examining what can be learnt from Sistah Space, and ensuring these reach all members of their communities.
Sistah Space is slowly returning to normal service. The shop is back open as usual.
— Sistah Space (@Sistah_Space) January 22, 2023
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