By Joanna Ewart-James, Freedom United

A couple of days ago, we asked our community to chip in to buy train tickets so survivors from around the UK can join our action in London. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed! We have only raised a quarter of what we need to ensure these survivors are heard at the Prime Minister’s office. We don’t want to let them down! Can you chip in?

Edith* is a survivor who hopes to join us next week. She has a message for you:

“We’re so excited for this opportunity. But for some of us living on less than £36 a week, we are just not able to get to London and make our voice heard without your help.”

Next week we’ll be outside the UK Prime Minister’s office with 27,127 signatures demanding better protection for victims of slavery in the UK. We want as many survivors from around the UK as possible to join us! Some live an expensive train ride away from London so we’re asking: can you please chip in to help cover the costs of travelling?

The lack of support available to survivors and work restrictions makes it near impossible for some to join us without your help. We want survivors to be able to take part in demanding better support for themselves and others with similar experiences. They know better than anyone what needs to change.

The UK Modern Slavery Victim Support Bill debate keeps getting pushed back but we’re not waiting any longer. We are taking this opportunity to make sure the government hears us loud and clear by joining survivors and partner organizations in the Free for Good coalition outside the Prime Minister’s office.

Chip in to help make sure survivors get to speak for themselves next week!

Maya* survived being trafficked into sexual exploitation in the UK and describes why proper support is so important:

“Through this crime, everything was taken from me: my control, my dignity, my future, my voice. I became hidden, from the years of 2005 to 2013 I was a statistic, a number within the figure of ‘potential victims of trafficking within the UK’.

Although I am extremely grateful to have been in a safe house, 45 days isn’t enough time to establish the needs in each individual case, let alone recover from them.

Next week is about people like Maya and Edith. Can you help us make sure survivors are able to represent themselves in London by chipping in £1?   In solidarity,   Joanna and the Freedom United team *Names changed to protect their identity.

I can chip in £1

P.S. In London next week? Join us! We’ll be meeting outside the Home Office before marching on to the Prime Minister’s office at 10 Downing Street. We’d love for you to come and power our collective voice. Let us know if you plan on joining us here so that we can look out for you on the day.   When: Thursday March 14 at 1pm GMT Where: UK Home Office 2 Marsham St Westminster London SW1P 4DF