Migrant Help is one of two organisations that will share more than £3 million over three years to increase care and support for victims of human trafficking in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has announced a significant increase in funding for Migrant Help and TARA (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance) to expand care services and support for victims of human trafficking in Scotland.

Migrant Help assists adult victims of human trafficking and their dependants in Scotland by providing safe accommodation, access to health services and counselling, advice and practical assistance. Our specialist advisers also help clients re-connect with family, integrate into local communities or safely return to their country of origin.

The Scottish Government’s funding announcement comes in the same week that regulations to increase the minimum period of support for trafficking victims come into force. The support period has been doubled to 90 days.

Phil Dailly, Migrant Help’s National Operations Manager said: “Migrant Help is very happy to continue our partnership with the Scottish Government which enables us to support and empower survivors of human trafficking. The longer support period will have a positive impact on our clients’ recovery. It will give us more time to address individual needs and enable them to regain confidence and prepare for a new positive chapter in their lives”.

The number of trafficking referrals to Police Scotland has been steadily increasing in recent years and saw a 38% rise in 2017 following work to raise awareness and improve reporting.

This increase in funding in 2018/19 will allow Migrant Help and TARA to increase capacity and resilience to deal both with the heightened awareness of trafficking activity and the greater care victims need.

You can read more about our work with victims of human trafficking here.