Helen Bamber Foundation

Our Ambassadors for Change, a group of survivors with lived experience of the UK asylum system, have released a powerful new short film, 'Finding Sanctuary', which illustrates how a welcoming environment can make all the difference to people seeking protection. Watch the film below 👇 And read this briefing to know more about the Ambassadors for Change and their recommendations for asylum accommodation in the UK: https://lnkd.in/dr5_E936

We're Hiring! Director of Legal Services & Client Experience Are you a visionary leader passionate about legal excellence and client satisfaction? Join our dynamic team as the Director of Legal Services and Client Experience ( Maternity cover) and drive innovation in legal strategies while enhancing our clients' journey! for more information please visit https://lnkd.in/e-QxsPyX

Volunteer with Us! The yoga and relaxation class runs weekly and provides an opportunity for our clients to learn breathing techniques to calm their bodies and minds, reduce stress and anxiety and learn strengthening and stretching techniques. This volunteer will alternate with the existing group volunteer each week to guide clients in gentle movements and breathing exercises while creating a welcoming and relaxing environment. https://lnkd.in/dRF6_5G3

We are deeply saddened by this news. People seeking asylum who arrive in the UK often have no other choice but to risk their lives. The government must help put an end to such tragedies by establishing safe routes & a well-functioning asylum system. https://lnkd.in/eMzYtdCD

For far too long, the Home Office has been detaining survivors of trafficking in 'immigration removal centres', causing profound & irreparable harm to them. Last week, the Labour government said they will increase detention capacity & reopen two such centres.   Here's why it is concerning 👇   Survivors are often detained after being wrongly convicted for offences their traffickers forced them to commit, or after being found not to have permission to stay in the UK. While most are later released (their detention having served no purpose), survivors can be held indefinitely.   Our research shows that detention takes a huge toll on their mental health & recovery. This increases their risk of being re-trafficked or exploited. Trauma-focused therapy is rarely available in detention. Even if it were, it wouldn't be effective in these harsh and unstable conditions.   Data suggest that there’s been a decrease in detention of trafficking victims in 2023 vs 2022, which is welcome. But the government's plan to increase detention spaces is deeply worrying and is a significant step in the wrong direction.   Depriving a person of their liberty is a serious interference with their human rights. The Labour government must close forms of quasi-detention and abandon the plans to expand detention. Read our latest blog to understand more: https://lnkd.in/dgMiPchr

Survivors of trafficking shouldn't be held in immigration detention as it re-traumatises them and hugely impedes their recovery. It's shameful that the government today announced that they will increase detention spaces. We spoke to openDemocracy on the harm this causes. https://lnkd.in/dBnZGf5g

We are looking for a Casework Volunteer to join the Counter-Trafficking Team at HBF! The Counter-Trafficking programme provides access to vital ongoing contact and safeguarding support for clients to ensure that they are kept safe and have court standard documentary evidence. If you're interested or would like to find out more, head to our website or email us at: volunteering@helenbamber.org https://lnkd.in/emFSTREC

We are horrified by the far-right racist attacks we have seen in recent days. This anti-migrant, racist and Islamophobic violence has been stoked by years of vilification and scapegoating of people seeking asylum and migrants in our politics and media. Our full statement 👇

To the entire team at Tiger Recruitment and the wonderful Sasa T. and Jessica Lauren Wylie, from everyone here at the Helen Bamber Foundation a massive thank you for supporting survivors of trafficking and torture.   As we dedicate this week to raising awareness about trafficking and celebrating the recoveries that our clients make, we feel so grateful to have an incredible partner in Tiger Recruitment. You have truly made our work possible.   We deeply appreciate the time that your team has dedicated to volunteering with us over the years and look forward to continuing to work together closely.

A huge thank you to BNP Paribas for hosting us this UN Day Against Trafficking In Persons. It has been wonderful to raise awareness of trafficking as a hidden crime and celebrate our incredible and resilient community of survivors! Your support over the past 3 years has been invaluable, and we couldn’t have continued supporting thousands of survivors every year without your partnership.