Features / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2024
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2024, Day 11: Unseen UK
Bonded by the shackles of modern slavery many have suffered unimaginable exploitation. It is crucial that the survivors of these ghastly crimes can be given a chance to live again with dignity and love, something that Unseen UK set out to do in 2008 and has championed ever since.
The nationwide charity that has its headquarters in the BS2 area of Bristol, is steeped in establishing a “world without slavery”.
At the forefront of all their operations are the survivors of modern slavery: “The lived experience of survivors is incorporated across all aspects of our work, helping inform effective interventions, improving service delivery, and empowering these individuals to become leaders and advocates in the fight against slavery.
is needed now More than ever
“Recognising that our work will be strengthened by diverse perspectives, we are guided by the principles of equity and inclusivity.”
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In 2023, Unseen was able to achieve its set target of training 20,000 individuals to raise awareness against modern slavery. They hope to have trained a further 50,000 individuals by 2027.
Unseen has over the years built a team that recognises the importance of abolishing modern slavery and are wholeheartedly dedicated to this cause.
In a document about their team, they said: “At Unseen, we invest in our people to ensure we have the right ethos, environment, and support mechanisms in place to ensure all can thrive.
“Our senior leadership team brings a wealth of experience to the organisation in dealing with policy, strategy, and operations for vulnerable people and those at risk of exploitation.”
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By 2027, they also hope to have supported more than 1,200 survivors through their all round-the-year helpline.
Ahead of their Big Give campaign for the holidays, the charity shared snippets of what the survivors had to say after spending time at Unseen appointed shelters.
One said: “I’m happy that the good memories have replaced the bad ones.”
Explaining the intensity of the situation, the charity said: “Survivors of modern slavery and exploitation are some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“Recovery is complex.
“To overcome their trauma and keep them safe, we need to provide survivors with exceptional wellbeing, emotional and health support.
“Without us, they are at risk of re-exploitation.”
Main photo: Unseen UK
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