Above: Celebrating International Women’s Day with the Medaille Trust
On a cold, bright morning in March, Sister Stella, trustee Michele Foot and communications co-ordinator Catrin Cuzen set out for Swindon to learn more about the work of the Medaille Trust. They heard first-hand about the CSMV supported Moving on Project which enables the one-to-one support of survivors of modern slavery in the community.
Arriving on a quiet backstreet in Swindon, we entered a rather unassuming building to a warm welcome from Donna, the project co-ordinator locally in Swindon, and Simone, who overseas the Moving on Project nationally. Around a table chatting, sharing tea and cake, were several women of a variety of ages and cultures. A toddler girl was playing with a few toys, other children had been in attendance earlier in the morning and more were expected in the afternoon too, as the nature of the day was an informal, friendly gathering.
Case-worker, Terri, and a volunteer, Sheena, were also chatting with the group or supporting an individual privately in a separate room throughout the morning. We learnt that the case workers make use of the varied skills of the staff and volunteers, offering activities such as yoga, singing, crochet or sewing. The focus of the Friday drop-in is wellbeing, building supportive networks and integrating into the local community; it is a restorative moment in the week.
Two of the ladies shared about regular attendance at the gym and a commitment to yoga. One also showed us a Japanese fabric flower they had been making earlier that morning. Another younger woman had been learning about fire protection from the local fire service. The interests of the group were diverse, but it was clear there was a sense of friendship and understanding amongst the women. One woman spoke about her need to push herself out of her comfort zone, to gain confidence through activities that challenged her. Her determination and excitement were evident, and it was heartening to see how the case-workers and volunteers of the Medaille Trust could support her in her ambitions.
During the rest of the week, case-workers are in frequent contact with their clients supporting them with anything from offering emotional support, to supporting with accommodation, practical help such as setting up utilities, helping to access legal help, and assisting with police investigations when appropriate. The case-work is person-centred and varies according to need. Donna fondly recollected how her mini-van has been called upon several times to help a client move house as often accommodation changes can happen at short notice. It is this combination of emotional and practical support that is crucial, a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on.
The team in Swindon case-work 16 clients, many of whom regularly attend the drop-in sessions along with other women who are already supported via the National Referral Mechanism (the government framework for supporting survivors of modern slavery). The Medaille Trust often continues the support started by the NRM scheme, enabling people to access support for as long as is needed.
We learnt from Simone about some of the complexities of modern slavery, of the barriers that prevent support being accessed. Traffickers place their victims into their debt; are then threatened with violence, being made homeless, losing their jobs and deportation. Their wages are taken, their bank cards controlled, and credit is fraudulently gained against their names. Victims can also be placed into illegal situations, making them appear complicit and therefore afraid to seek help. The knowledge and passion shown by the Swindon team was enlightening; their determination to help those affected and educate those who are ill-informed inspiring.
The week we met the ladies of the Swindon drop-in centre coincided with International Women’s Day. What a fitting way to be able to reflect on the challenges faced by the survivors of modern slavery, their strength, determination and ambition as they move on from adversity. Also, to give thanks for the case-workers with their commitment to helping the vulnerable, their ability to advocate with fortitude for their clients on the one hand and their gentle nurturing on the other. Sr Stella described it as an immensely energising and friendly experience.
We learnt from Simone that a new safe house was being opened in Swindon that week, making it the tenth safe house for the Medaille Trust, and the fourth safe house for male survivors of modern slavery. The safe house provides nine rooms and extensive garden grounds, which staff hope to use to grow fruits and vegetables.
From supporting survivors to raising awareness in the UK and across Europe; to collaborating with law enforcement agencies and actively seeking prosecutions; the Medaille Trust is at the forefront of the UK’s fight against the exploitation of people through modern slavery.
To find out more visit https://www.medaille-trust.org.uk/