Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Please take some time to read this information and consider giving anything you can towards the charity Escapeline as a whole, or towards the new family support group we have recently set up in BCP.

Annie and I are passionate about tackling the enslavement and abuse of young people through exploitation - whether that be criminal, county lines, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude or modern day slavery. And yes, it's going on all around you, in ANY family, all of the time, in your town, in your village, in your child's school, and probably on your street.

Parents, carers and families are left feeling ashamed, terrified, and like the situation is their fault; but it isn't. Trying to escape from an organised crime group is one of the most complex, difficult, frightening, and risky times for a young person. They are often being threatened daily, physically harmed, can be drug addicted (often after it's been used as a grooming method), have debt bondage attached to them, and the exploiters have successfully distanced them from those who love them. Every minute of their life and every choice is controlled, and they are not free to disclose.

A few years ago I worked with a mum whose son was trapped in exploitation by a serious organised crime group (gang) Her faith, determination and tenacity was honestly the most inspiring thing I have ever seen. We had many discussions about how there wasn't any 'peer' support available for parents to come together when they feel isolated, misunderstood and excluded. She simply said, "Together we can fight exploitation, make change and win as a community"...and so the idea of a family support group was born.

We have been grateful to have held nine sessions so far and have had many guest speakers come to our group, including a probation officer/boxing coach who donated her time to talk about diversion away from criminality and her work in mentoring young people through sport, and a young man himself who had recently escaped exploitation.

Reaching our target and beyond allows the group to continue, and for Escapeline to continue their brilliant work with young people and families, and develop new ideas.

The more young people and their networks that can be reached, the better.

Thank you so much everyone.

Rachel and Annie (Escapeline)