Supporting survivors of human trafficking and torture

The Helen Bamber Foundation is a human rights charity supporting survivors of trafficking and torture. The people the Helen Bamber Foundation works with have been subjected to the worst kind of atrocities, including religious and political persecution, forced labour, sexual exploitation, gender-based and honour-based violence.

These abuses are among the most significant atrocities facing the world today and there are roughly 40,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the UK who are suffering with the consequences. Tormented by flashbacks and nightmares and suffering debilitating panic attacks, extreme depression, anxiety and despair.

Unfortunately, we cannot erase the horror of the extreme cruelty that has befallen survivors of trafficking and torture. We can, however, change the path that these survivors have found themselves on. We can provide a place of safety to recover; we can help restore their dignity so they feel valued in society; we can give them the strength to soar again.

The Helen Bamber Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that its clients are free and healthy (both physically and mentally), are safe, are protected from re-victimisation, detention and poverty, and can lead an independent life, fully integrating and contributing to society.

Thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Helen Bamber Foundation can help survivors like Hannah:

As a teenager, Hannah was tricked into leaving her home country: she was beaten, blindfolded, moved across borders and then, isolated and disorientated, forced into prostitution. Hannah was raped and brutalised every day for three years. She escaped and sought help but was met with disbelief and suspicion.
When Hannah first came to the Helen Bamber Foundation she was terrified, alone and consumed by shame.

The foundation’s clinical and legal experts worked with Hannah to document the complex physical and psychological impact of the repeated violations. Hannah began stabilisation therapy and joined the English group. Her confidence flourished. Therapy was heartbreakingly difficult and took several months but now Hannah feels stronger. She is free of her past and is pursuing her dream career as a chef.

Support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that the Helen Bamber Foundation’s clinical and legal experts can be there for survivors like Hannah and work towards a world where all survivors receive the trauma-informed care they deserve.

£1 million has been raised for the charity thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Thanks to players, survivors like Hannah can find their inner strength, power and freedom, move on from their past, and thrive.