About Us 

The Survivor Care Project is an initiative of the Southend Against Modern Slavery Partnership and Together Free Foundation (Charity No: 1185728). The Survivor Care Project emerged from working alongside survivors of modern slavery who were struggling to integrate back into the community. These individuals had been exploited through labour or sexual exploitation, sometimes for long periods of time. 

Why is it needed? 

Having received initial emergency support these survivors of exploitation struggled to connect within their localities. This was often due to not having adequate resources or support to rebuild their lives. The money we are seeking to raise is to offer practical and emergency support and well-being activities to survivors of modern slavery and their children.

How do we help? 

The Survivor Care Project works alongside nine survivors of modern slavery and anticipate this number increasing. These individuals are from 8 different countries of origin and most are refugees and asylum seekers. Working at a grassroots level in partnership with other local organisations we are well placed to deliver specialised, trauma-informed support. 

We offer a triangle of long-term support through facilitating trained community volunteers who are:

1. Befrienders, to help community integration and reduce social isolation
2. Mentors; to work towards specific goals in education, volunteering or work
3. Practical Helpers to source and offer practical support for survivors and their families.

Our goal is to journey alongside these remarkable survivors and to support them in promoting well-being.

How we'll spend the money raised? 

The money we raise would be used towards the practical help, emergency support and well-being activities for survivors of modern slavery and their children. This may include:

- clothes
- school uniforms for survivor's children
- emergency food
- furniture or other household items
- DIY and garden projects to improve life quality
- bikes to help move around the community
- education and course expenses
- day trips for survivors and their children
- well-being activities within the community to promote well-being, social and physical activity. For example, yoga, Zumba ,football or art classes.

25% of the money raised would go towards helping to employ a new part-time practical helper co-ordinator to facilitate the well-being activities and volunteers needed for the activities above.

What's the feedback from Survivors? 

'Nora' says:

“I found out about SAMS from one of the council staff.  I like Ellie [SAMS Survivor Care Co-ordinator] from the first time I saw her because of her big smile and warm heart. She been helping me lots with my personal life and families, with my well being and mental health issues.

With the mentor and befriender I can’t thank them enough.  I love seeing my befriender and mentor for as long as they still want to see me.  A volunteer gave me a free cake for my son’s birthday. They made him very happy on his birthday. 

They even found the bicycle for me and my kids. I always wanted a bicycle so I can say that really make me happy too. Just before Christmas they send me a gift voucher for me to spend, it’s not [a big] amount of money but it’s still big amount for me.  l appreciate it so much.

 I feel so loved by these people and I wish lots of people will have the same experience as me in the future.” 

How you can play your part? 

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Set up a regular donation to enable survivors obtain long-term support. 

4. Think about Gift-Aiding your support to enable your money go further.