Child victims of trafficking and exploitation face overwhelming challenges every day. Many are not able to live with their families and are facing the impact of abuse, trauma and loss alone. Whether they have been trafficked within the UK, end route to the UK or into the UK, they are all in need of protection, safety, kindness and care to help them recover and look forward.

They also need time to have fun, to do new things and to play as well as moments of peace, connection, and inspiration. Many need the opportunity to get away from their worries, to be able to sleep and to eat and to just be.

That’s why we’re asking for your help.

Every year, our Youth Programme takes groups of girls and young women and boys and young men separately aged 15–25 to a safe, empowering and transformative four-day residential retreat to the ASHA Centre in the Forest of Dean.

The residentials offer a rare opportunity for healing and growth through:

•spending time in a beautiful, natural environment that promotes peace, rest and recovery, play and freedom

•workshops on reflection, storytelling, leadership, sustainability, and wellbeing

•team building and confidence-building activities

•outdoor physical challenges such as climbing, gorge scrambling, bouldering, Go Ape, water sports, and woodland activities.

•moments of calm, community, and joy in the grounds of the Asha Centre including games, singing, music, meditation and campfires

Like all of us, young victims of trafficking need the chance to rest, play, reflect, and hope for the future. ECPAT UK residential trips can be a lifeline to those who are overwhelmed by trauma, needing to reconnect with themselves and connect with others. Young people come back rested, rejuvenated and closer to their peers - so important when so many are so far away from home, family and friends.

One young person said:

‘I feel like I have found myself again.’

You can help make this happen for more young people. We have a £11,020 goal to provide 2 residential trips over the next 12 months.

Every donation, large or small, will go directly towards accommodation, transport, meals, and activities for the young people attending, as well as the cost of staffing and volunteers to support.

Help us give child victims a safe space to breathe, connect, and believe in a brighter future.

Please donate through this link: ECPAT UK - JustGiving

You can learn more about our work at www.ecpat.org.uk, or contact us directly for more information.

Thank you for standing with young victims of trafficking. Together, we can give them the support and space they need to thrive.

With gratitude,

Anna Bagneris

Fundraising Officer, ECPAT UK