Modern Slavery Survivors Enjoy Sports and Wellbeing Day
By Community Correspondent
More than 150 survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery supported by The Salvation Army and its partners came together last week for a sports and wellbeing event held at the University of Warwick Sports Facilities.
Marking Anti-Slavery Day, 18th October, teams travelled from safe houses and outreach services across England and Wales to take part in a day of activities designed to celebrate their achievements and support recovery.
Survivors joined in a lively programme including five-a-side football, badminton, rock climbing and more, developing skills, confidence and wellbeing as they move forward from traumatic experiences of exploitation.
The annual Sports and Wellbeing event was created by The Salvation Army to recognise how far survivors have come on their journey of recovery, while highlighting the importance of exercise and teamwork in helping to rebuild lives.
Vaughan, a British survivor of modern slavery who attended the event said:
“I feel blessed and overwhelmed by this day. It’s been an eye opener to realise there are a lot more people who were in a vulnerable situation like me than I’d ever imagined. Seeing everything that’s been organised for us - we’ve wanted for nothing - and the love and respect we’ve been given has made me appreciate even than before the help I’ve had from The Salvation Army. There’re so many volunteers who’ve given their time to make today special. It’s inspired me to ask my supporter worker if she can arrange for me to do some volunteering myself."
The winning team in the five-a-side football tournament comprised survivors supported by our partner Saint John of God Hospitaller and The Salvation Army's own East Midlands Outreach team.
Participants and staff celebrating together in a spirit of joy and solidarity.
Major Kathy Betteridge, The Salvation Army’s Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, said:
"This event is a celebration of the strength and resilience shown by survivors as they rebuild their lives after the trauma of modern slavery. Taking part in sport and wellbeing activities together helps restore confidence, independence and joy - all things that their exploiters tried to take from them. But while today is about celebrating progress, we cannot ignore that many people are still trapped in slavery and face huge barriers to accessing support. We are determined to keep raising awareness so that more victims are identified, more perpetrators are stopped, and more lives can be rebuilt in freedom.”
The Salvation Army’s free and confidential referral helpline 0800 808 3733 is available 24/7 for anyone who suspects they – or someone they know – may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of help.
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