Project Resist Case Study

Two Magpies Fund supports bereaved families to be at the centre of systems change

Project Resist is an independent strategic advocacy and policy organisation focused on the rights and needs of Black and minoritised women, particularly in the context of violence against women and girls.

Led by co-founders Pragna Patel and Rosie Lewis, it draws on four decades of frontline experience to challenge structural barriers to justice through high-quality legal advocacy, policy work and movement-building.

Grounded in feminist and anti-racist principles, Project Resist partners with grassroots organisations, holds state and community institutions to account and mobilises collective action to advance equality, dignity and democratic inclusion for Black and minoritised women.

About the grant

Project Resist received a £25,000 grant from Two Magpies Fund to launch its Suicide is Homicide campaign. The campaign involves working with bereaved families to raise awareness of domestic abuse related suicides and drive policy change so that suicide in the context of domestic abuse is investigated as homicide across the police, criminal justice system and wider sectors.

The funding arrived at a pivotal moment for Project Resist as several relevant court cases were underway. It enabled the two founders to dedicate sustained time to the campaign, ensuring it could be delivered to a high quality.

“Two Magpies recognised that the campaign needed to be mobilised quickly, and that was what was so excellent about the grant.”

Crucially, the grant meant that families bereaved by domestic abuse related suicide could lead the campaign. Project Resist was able to cover travel and participation expenses, support families through complex legal processes and conduct qualitative research capturing their experiences, ensuring lived experience shaped every stage.

Through the grant, Project Resist organised a parliamentary launch and press conference, carried out ongoing advocacy with police and the CPS, and leveraged professional PR support from GOOD Agency to produce a high-quality campaign video and media event.

The impact story so far

The Suicide is Homicide campaign has already created strong momentum, establishing the groundwork for long term systems change. Project Resist has brought bereaved families into direct dialogue with key decision makers across the criminal justice system and Government.

The campaign has attracted significant national media coverage and secured support from more than 80 VAWG and social justice organisations, strengthening its influence and reputation.

Looking forward

The media campaign’s visibility has opened policy doors, with police and criminal justice agencies now actively seeking engagement and Project Resist invited to intervene in a Supreme Court case. With these foundations in place, the organisation is now well positioned to mobilise further policy work.

The value of funding campaigning work

Two Magpies’ understanding of the importance of critical systems change work is highly appreciated by the Project Resist team, especially in a context where few funders support this type of political work. They also appreciated our ability to identify an area where the campaign would benefit from external support and provide an introduction to PR organisation, GOOD Agency.

“Two Magpies has been an absolute lifeline. When we set up our project we did not set up as a charity precisely because we want to retain a really critical political voice. We think it's really important. So, to have funders like Two Magpies who understand and have faith in that… and who are willing to fund some of that work, it’s absolutely priceless.”

We are glad to confirm that in July 2026, Two Magpies Fund renewed its funding commitment to Project Resist.

For more information about Project Resist and its Suicide is Homicide campaign, visit:

https://www.projectresist.org.uk/projects-campaigns/suicide-is-homicide