Community support
We provide regular, direct support for women and families in neighbourhoods across London.
Without this support in the community, many survivors would be at huge risk of falling into poverty and back
into exploitation.
For many survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation, their journey of recovery can be long and complex.
Even when they are living outside of a safe house, they still need long term support to continue their rehabilitation and stay safe. This is why we work with survivors in the community as well as through our safe houses.
We provide regular, direct support for around 30 women a year across London, and help for many more further afield when they need us. Some of these women used to live in our safe houses, others have come to us separately. Our community support benefits whole families, as a number of these women have children.
Known and cared for
Our staff support survivors in the community in person as well as on the phone and online. Having people at Ella’s who know them and their story, and who they trust, makes a huge difference to the people we work with. They feel less alone, and so they feel stronger.
We’re there to help with day to day struggles, providing advice and practical help when needed. And we’re on hand for times of particular crises. Without this support in the community, many survivors would be at huge risk of falling into poverty and back into exploitation.
Lasting change
Through our work in the community, we help people to find and access services and support in their local neighbourhoods, from healthcare through to job centres and places of worship. This is crucial, as it helps survivors to build lives that are safe in both the short and long term.
“It was always my plan to start school again, but I used to think “one day”. Ella’s has helped move me on to this point. My Ella’s caseworker said to me, “You can do this! You are clever and can do this thing for yourself.” And I thought, “Maybe I can do it, I will try”. Ella’s gave me courage.”
In everything we do, we aim to see the people we work with become stronger, more confident and more independent. In this way, although they may always stay in touch with Ella’s, they don’t become reliant on us, and can be in full control of their own lives.
We help with:
Medical care/therapies
Education/skills training
Employment opportunities
Reuniting with family
Finding new homes
Moving house
Legal support
Support with immigration
Bringing abusers to justice
Emergency essentials
Emergency money
Budgeting/money management
Confidence/life skills
Community integration
Attending appointments
Moving countries if wanted