Unseen

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Unseen provides safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. It also runs the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline and works with partners from all sectors to stamp out slavery in all its forms. 

In 2022, Unseen directly supported nearly 300 people and signposted thousands more to law enforcement, local authorities, or other services. The men and women that the organisation supports have often experienced terrible things – including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Their future can feel very uncertain. Unseen provides trauma-informed support, giving victims the time and space to process information and access the help they need to leave their situations of exploitation. For some of the most vulnerable survivors, Unseen’s safehouses are a part of this process, providing a ‘sanctuary’ space where recovery can begin and relationships of trust can be rebuilt in a place they know they are safe. Unseen’s safehouse for women has supported more than 200 individuals, and the safehouse for men has supported more than 80.

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REFURBISHMENT PROJECT

Some individuals may have to stay with Unseen for up to three years while they await decisions on their cases – so the safehouses need to be a home, not a temporary hostel. 

Our grant particularly enabled the renovation of the women’s safehouse gardens, creating an accessible space and encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors –which improves mental health for residents. New outdoor furniture helped turn the gardens into a place where residents and caseworkers can work, eat, and enjoy time together. The funding also facilitated updates to the decor inside the women’s safehouse and improved wi-fi connectivity throughout the building so that the residents can use the internet in their rooms.

“I have seen changes in my life. I was unable to make decisions for myself before. Now I make my own decisions. I’m happy that I can do things for myself,” an Unseen Resident.

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