Annual report 2023
Unfortunately, the survivors we work with faced increased hostility in 2023. The government systematically removed existing safeguards designed to reduce the likelihood of further harm to survivors. The Illegal Migration Act has effectively taken away the ability to seek protection in the UK from most survivors, pushing them into the hands of those who would exploit them. Along with the inhumane Rwanda scheme, this has had a profound and detrimental impact on the mental health and recovery of the men, women, non-binary people, and children we work with across the Group. More than 90% of those we work with reach the threshold for complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of their experiences, and have been considerably impacted by the external environment.
Despite this, our multi-disciplinary team, who advocate on behalf of, and provide direct support to, survivors, enabled journeys of recovery. In 2023, 60% of our clients saw an improvement to their mental health and 51% saw a significant improvement.
We have also supported more people via collaborations and partnerships. Our experts continuously reached out to connect with others and fostered sector-wide relationships, and proved indispensable at a time of immense pressure. As we move into our new expanded offices in 2024, our collaborative approach to sector strengthening will be immeasurably enhanced. Our new central London Trauma Centre will be a welcoming and collaborative space from which the whole sector can benefit.
In 2023, we were a source of power for the survivors we work with as well as for our partners and sister organisations across the UK and internationally. At a time when our own government actively sought to reduce accountability and scrutiny of their policies by the courts – a key pillar of democracy – we stepped up to engage and transform, and, where necessary, challenge.
Nonetheless, it is a moment of deep shame and anguish that those who have been trafficked and tortured are being put in harm’s way. We hope to work closely with the new government to reduce this risk but given the current state of the asylum system, we continue to be concerned about the rights of survivors. This makes the team spirit of those working and volunteering at the Helen Bamber Foundation, and our colleagues across the sector, even more incredible. This team spirit, along with the extraordinary encouragement we receive from our supporters, ambassadors and clients, gives us the capability and confidence to carry on our work. We take great comfort in knowing that we have justice, community and humanity on our side.