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Spotlight on Adavu

by Liisa Wiseman, Director

Modern slavery and homelessness often go hand-in-hand, with homelessness frequently being a significant contributing factor to people becoming victims of trafficking, as well survivors being more at risk of ending up homeless. As the homelessness charity, The Passage, states 

“We have found that homelessness is a common denominator in the issue of human trafficking, with those on the streets at greater risk of becoming victims of this crime; whilst those escaping human trafficking often end up street homeless. Five years of data reveals that over 75% of victims of human trafficking identified by The Passage, had become homeless as a direct result of their exploitation. ”

Adavu is a charity (no. 1199391) that tackles modern slavery in the West Midlands and we support around 60 men and women survivors of modern slavery to rebuild their lives in the long term each year. 

Housing and homelessness are one of the main challenges survivors face: moving from street homelessness or insecure sofa surfing into safe emergency accommodation; the long wait for temporary and even longer wait for permanent homes. Navigating the housing and benefits system; securing safe and appropriate accommodation; arguing and evidencing eligibility for support and managing a tenancy are key aspects of Adavu’s work.

“Adavu’s consistent, long-term and compassionate support really does make a difference! 

We heard yesterday about a survivor we were supporting 

over a number of years, who recently decided to relocate 

and rebuild her life closer to her family.

She has found affordable and safe accommodation, secured 

a job and is thriving. Her journey has been long and has had 

many ups and downs but we are so pleased to hear how she 

is moving forward with huge, positive steps! “  Facebook Post 19 August 2024

Example of one of the many activities to help to connect and improve wellbeing offered to people accessing Adavu’s services

‘Simon’ is an Adavu client who was exploited through forcedlabour, escaped and was then re-trafficked a further 2 more 

times until he was arrested, convicted and imprisoned because 

of farming cannabis in the UK. He eventually was assisted into government support through the National Referral Mechanism 

and received confirmation that he was indeed a person who 

had experienced modern slavery.

After a referral to Adavu, we have helped him work with his 

legal representative to successfully claim asylum and start 

rebuilding his life. It’s a long journey and there are challenges, 

but he is taking his  next steps and is working to be reunited 

with his family.”  Facebook Post 16 July 2024

If you would like to support the work of Adavu, you can:

 

Posted in Articles Tagged , Posted on by Eliz Hopkins